Immunotherapy in atopic disorders

Immunotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, asthma, and insect sting allergy. In the latter circumstance, immunotherapy with specific venom from the stinging insects can be life saving. Most commonly employed in immunotherapy are aqueuos extracts of aeroallergens, particularly plant pollen, and mold spores. Recent advances suggest that modification of these allergens, such as polymerization, can result in improved symptom response with fewer side effects. Efficacy trials of immunotherapy have demonstrated satisfactory treatment responses in allergic rhinitis and allergen-induced asthma. These responses, as measured by changes in symptom scores, are attended by specific immunologic changes summarized in Table 2.