The Current State of Epicutaneous Immunotherapy for Food Allergy: a Comprehensive Review

The food allergy epidemic of recent years has led to the search for safe and effective methods of immunotherapy for foods. Studies of epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) in mice have shown promising safety and efficacy data. Murine models have also identified probable mechanisms for the development of tolerance to food allergens, including the induction of regulatory T cells. Clinical data is lacking, but relatively small and early studies among peanut and cow's milk allergic subjects suggest that EPIT has an excellent safety profile, particularly compared to other methods of specific allergen immunotherapy. Efficacy data are also promising for peanut allergy, among younger patients (ages 4-11 years of age), suggesting that a majority of young patients will experience an increase in reaction threshold with therapy. The goal of this therapy is the protection from accidental exposures to a known food allergen. Additional clinical data is needed to prove efficacy and further demonstrate the safety profile of EPIT for food allergy, prior to approval by the Food and Drug Administration.