Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy: Current Status as Well as New Findings and Developments

IgE-mediated allergies have significantly increased during the last decades. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only causal treatment, which in addition can prevent the development of allergic asthma and new sensitizations. Recent progress focuses on the broadening of potential treatment options and the optimization of efficiency and safety through the development of new allergen products and innovative applications. Essential preconditions are both the profound knowledge about the immunological mechanisms underlying tolerance induction by AIT and the recognition of contraindications and potential risks. It is anticipated that the impact of AIT on the treatment of allergic diseases will further increase in the years to come.