Peptide-mediated regulation of the allergic immune response

A major key to successful immunotherapy may depend on altering the qualitative nature of the immune response in allergic patients. In this review we examine how immune responses to environmental allergens are regulated, and the mechanisms used by the immune system to prevent allergic sensitization. We also discuss future prospects of using allergen-derived peptides in immunotherapy and the possibility of 'reprogramming' the immune responses by immunizing under conditions that promote Th1 responses instead of Th2 responses.