title: Allergen immunotherapy.
abstract: Allergen immunotherapy involves exposing a patient to a gradually escalating dose of a specific allergen with the intention of decreasing allergic and inflammatory responses, ultimately leading to a sustained decrease in allergic symptoms. A build-up phase (once weekly injections) is followed by a maintenance phase (once monthly injections) that generally continues for 3 to 5 years. Allergen immunotherapy is indicated for select patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, allergic asthma, and stinging insect hypersensitivity. The safety and efficacy of allergen immunotherapy have been confirmed by numerous well-designed studies. Recent research has helped uncover the mechanisms by which allergen immunotherapy exerts its therapeutic effect, paving the way for the development of safer, more effective therapy for a wider range of allergic diseases.
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergic Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Rank
authors.forename: James T C
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000628:therapy; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000276:immunology; D018579:Patient Selection; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*