Advances in subcutaneous immunotherapy

Current limitations in subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) include the length of time required to achieve tolerance as well as the potential for systemic side-effects. Advances in allergen immunotherapy include targeted therapies to B-cell and T-cell pathways that can lead to more rapid desensitization and potentially the prevention of allergic disease.

Novel molecularly engineered compounds and delivery vehicles allow for rapid and efficient desensitization. Combination with immune modifiers, treatment with epitope-based compounds, and hypoallergenic recombinant vaccines have the potential to improve immunogenicity while limiting systemic side-effects.

Advances in SCIT create new therapeutic opportunities for patients to improve safety, efficacy, and compliance. Concepts using epitope-based immunotherapy and carrier-fusion peptides have the potential to induce tolerance quickly via selective B-cell and T-cell pathways.