Modification of the innate immune function of dendritic cells by allergen-specific immunotherapy.

摘要

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) is well established and the only curative treatment for venom hypersensitiv-ity, allergic rhinitis (AR)/conjunctivitis and allergic bronchial asthma. Importantly, SIT can prevent the development of new sensitization as well as the progression to asthma in patients with AR [1, 2]. SIT involves administration of increasing doses of the allergen by subcutaneous injection, or more recently, sublingual application up to a maximum maintenance dose tolerated, which is then administered on a regular basis over 3-5 years.