Abstract | PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A line of novel therapeutic approaches that try to interfere more specifically with the immunological mechanisms underlying allergen-induced pathology are currently undergoing clinical evaluation. The most advanced of these is anti-IgE, which directly targets IgE serum antibodies, thus inhibiting the central mechanism of immediate type hypersensitivity reactions. In addition, a lot of interest has recently been focused on allergen-specific immunotherapy due to its potential to cure allergic diseases. In the present review, state-of-the-art treatment of allergic diseases with anti-IgE and allergen-specific immunotherapy is summarized, and the potential of combination therapy with both treatment options is discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: SUMMARY: There are strong arguments for a combination of anti-IgE plus allergen-specific immunotherapy for treatment of allergic diseases: improved efficacy, limited side effects, and potential curative effects.
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Authors | Eckard Hamelmann, Claudia Rolinck-Werninghaus, Ulrich Wahn |
Journal | Current opinion in allergy and clinical immunology
(Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol)
Vol. 3
Issue 6
Pg. 501-10
(Dec 2003)
ISSN: 1528-4050 [Print] United States |
PMID | 14612676
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
- anti-IgE antibodies
- Immunoglobulin E
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Topics |
- Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
(therapeutic use)
- Asthma
(therapy)
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Desensitization, Immunologic
(methods)
- Humans
- Hypersensitivity
(therapy)
- Immunoglobulin E
(chemistry, immunology)
- Rhinitis
(therapy)
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