Abstract
Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the only treatment able to modify the natural history of the allergic subjects. Several aspects of the immunopathological response modified by SIT have been investigated; the first parameter historically studied was the production of allergen-specific antibodies. An increase of allergen-specific IgG4 and a decrease of IgE appear after SIT. A shift from Th2-polarized immune response toward Th1-oriented pattern has been reported after SIT. More recently, a crucial role for a subpopulation of T cells has been evidenced: T regulatory cells (Treg). Allergic patients have a defect of Tregs. SIT is able of inducing a specific Treg response. Sublingual imm unotherapy is an alternative route of administration for SIT. Recent evidence shows that SLIT is also able of inducing a Treg response as detected by IL-10 production.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 34-37 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease - Cardiac Series |
Volume | 65 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2006 |
Keywords
- Allergen-specific immunotherapy
- Atopy
- IgE
- IgG
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine