Monoclonal antibodies in allergy; updated applications and promising trials

Allergic disorders, as asthma, allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergies and anaphylaxis have an increasing burden in the general population and a growing body of evidence has shown that an increased interest has aroused to seek for more effective treatment strategies. Conventional pharmacotherapy by antihistamines, anti-leukotrienes, corticosteroids and bronchodilators can routinely control most of the cases, in addition to allergen avoidance which saves the date. Furthermore, allergen specific immunotherapy stands as the only curative method to treat the underlying cause of allergic immune response by induction of immune tolerance. However, response to pharmacotherapies can show diversity depending on the genotype and phenotype of the allergic disorders, which are known to be under the influence of multifactorial triggers. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of development of allergic disorders, in addition to selective description of the phenotypes can provide access to development of more specific therapies in order to control the disease progression. Monoclonal antibodies can be the major actors in this targeting process. Concerns about the safety, efficacy and long-term tolerability of these molecules always stand as a question for them, in order to gain indications for the treatment of allergic disorders. This review includes most recent developments and patents on usage of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of allergic disorders.