In the last decade, there has been increasing research dedicated to food
immunotherapy to induce clinical desensitization and provide protection by increasing clinical reaction thresholds. Results from recent food
immunotherapy studies with differing routes of
administration (oral, sublingual, and epicutaneous) suggest that food
immunotherapy can induce clinical desensitization with varying levels of safety, however lasting tolerance has not been demonstrated. Furthermore, treatment side effects and dosing logistics may make the
therapies difficult for some supporting the need for alternative treatment approaches.
Peptide immunotherapy and
DNA vaccine approaches should in theory allow for safer administration by decreasing allergenicity but proof of their clinical efficacy and immunogenicity remains to be proven.
Biologic agents may allow for increased safety and rapid up-dosing of
immunotherapy with the added benefit of treating multiple
allergens simultaneously.