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Immunotherapy--state of the art
New England and Regional Allergy Proceedings
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Allergen immunotherapy effectively manages hay fever and asthma symptoms by targeting specific allergens. Treatment benefits are dose-dependent and may wane post-therapy, with notable immunological shifts observed.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Allergen immunotherapy is a treatment for allergic diseases like hay fever and asthma.
- Common allergens include pollens (ragweed, grass, birch, mountain cedar) and indoor allergens (house dust mite, cat dander).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy in treating hay fever and asthma.
- To understand the specific, dose-dependent nature of clinical improvement.
- To investigate the immunological changes associated with immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Controlled studies were conducted to assess symptom relief.
- Clinical improvement was correlated with specific allergens and administered doses.
- Immunological markers such as antibody levels and cellular reactivity were measured.
Main Results:
- Immunotherapy demonstrated symptom relief for hay fever and asthma in controlled trials.
- Clinical benefits were specific to the allergen used and dependent on the dose.
- Relapse of symptoms occurred 6-12 months after treatment cessation.
- Immunological changes included increased IgG, transient IgE increase, potential rise in secretional antibodies, and reduced basophil and lymphocyte responsiveness.
Conclusions:
- Allergen immunotherapy provides specific and dose-dependent symptom relief for allergic respiratory diseases.
- The immunological effects of immunotherapy are complex and involve multiple antibody and cellular responses.
- Sustained benefits may require ongoing treatment, as relapses can occur after cessation.