WOS: 000328179600004PubMed: 24153333Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the only available curative treatment of allergic diseases. Recent evidence provided a plausible explanation to its multiple mechanisms inducing both rapid desensitization and long-term allergen-specific immune tolerance, and suppression of allergic inflammation in the affected tissues. During SIT, peripheral tolerance is induced by the generation of allergen-specific regulatory T cells, which suppress proliferative and cytokine responses against the allergen of interest. Regulatory T cells are characterized by IL-10 and TGF-beta secretion and expression of important cell surface suppressive molecules such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 and programmed death-1 that directly or indirectly influence effector cells of allergic inflammation, such as mast cells, basophils and eosinophils. Regulatory T cells and particularly IL-10 also have an influence on B cells, suppressing IgE production and inducing the production of blocking type IgG4 antibodies. In addition, development of allergen-specific B regulatory cells that produce IL-10 and develop into IgG4 producing plasma cells represent essential players in peripheral tolerance. These findings together with the new biotechnological approaches create a platform for development of the advanced vaccines. Moreover, reliable biomarkers could be selected and validated with the intention to select the patients who will benefit most from this immune-modifying treatment. Thus, allergen-SIT could provide a complete cure for a larger number of allergic patients and novel preventive approaches need to be elaborated.Swiss National Science FoundationSwiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) [320030-132899, 32-125249]; Christine Kuhne-Center for Allergy Research and Education; Davos (CK-CARE); MeDALL: Mechanisms of the Development of Allergy (European 7th frame work project) [261357]; Polish National Science Centre [2011/01/B/NZ6/01872, 2012/04/M/NZ6/00355, 2012/04/A/NZ6/00407]The author's laboratories are supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant 320030-132899, 32-125249), Christine Kuhne-Center for Allergy Research and Education, Davos (CK-CARE), MeDALL: Mechanisms of the Development of Allergy (European 7th frame work project No: 261357), and Polish National Science Centre (grants No. 2011/01/B/NZ6/01872, 2012/04/M/NZ6/00355 and 2012/04/A/NZ6/00407)
