Autoallergy and what the Allergist Needs to know

This review aims to educate allergists about the concept of autoallergy by addressing five questions: 1) What is autoallergy and how does it differ from classical allergy? 2) How common is autoallergy? 3) Is autoallergy clinically relevant? 4) How can autoallergy be diagnosed? and 5) How is autoallergy treated?

In contrast to type I hypersensitivity against external allergens (allergy), autoallergy involves IgE autoantibodies targeting self-antigens. These are found in conditions like chronic spontaneous urticaria, atopic dermatitis, and asthma, with varying prevalence. While no standardized diagnostic tools exist, ELISA and basophil activation tests help identify the presence and function of IgE autoantibodies. Anti-IgE therapies have shown benefit, supporting their clinical relevance. Autoallergy is emerging as a distinct IgE-mediated mechanism that may contribute to chronic inflammation in immune-mediated diseases. Further investigation of this mechanism can improve disease stratification and enable more effective, targeted treatment strategies.