What are the most promising strategies for the therapeutic immunomodulation of allergic diseases?
Specific immunotherapy and other immunomodulatory strategies have long been a stronghold in the management of allergic diseases. In particular, "immunodeviation-therapy" or "vaccination for allergies", i.e. the redirection of Th2-type immune responses towards a Th1-response pattern, has become an ever more popular concept. The present feature of CONTROVERSIES complements our previous discussion of atopy (Röcken et al., Exp Dermatol 7: 97--104, 1998), and is dedicated to a critical analysis of the general problems and limitations one faces with the main immunomodulatory strategies traditionally considered in this context. We also explore alternative approaches that appear promising in order to achieve both a more effective and/or a more specific immunotherapy of allergic diseases. Given that the mast cell remains a key protagonist in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases finally, this feature examines how innovative, more selectively mast cell-targeted strategies may be developed for the management of allergic diseases.
Tokura
Y
Y
Department of Dermatology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan. tokuray@hama-med.ac.jp
Röcken
M
M
Clark
R A
RA
Haliasos
E
E
Takigawa
M
M
Sinha
A A
AA
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D004782:Environmental Health; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000379:methods; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology
D000485:Allergens; D016207:Cytokines; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents