Sublingual immunotherapy: update 2006

Purpose of review Sublingual immunotherapy is currently accepted as a viable therapeutic option, and is widely used in many European countries. In the past 2 years, new data concerning clinical, Immunological and practical aspects of sublingual immunotherapy have been published, and many critical points have been addressed. Recent findings In addition to the new data on clinical efficacy, the most recent studies have shown that, similar to the injection route, sublingual immunotherapy can also prevent the onset of new sensitizations and the onset of asthma. Moreover, several postmarketing surveys have confirmed the satisfactory safety profile, even in very young children, and compliance has been measured. The good safety profile has also suggested the possibility of using sublingual immunotherapy without the updosing phase. Finally, the mechanisms of action have been systematically investigated and the biodistribution of sublingual allergens has been further clarified. Summary More new data on sublingual immunotherapy are rapidly appearing in the international literature. These data consistently confirm the value of this treatment and show that sublingual immunotherapy is a viable and useful form of immunotherapy.