house dust mite allergen-specific immunotherapy

House dust mite allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is a disease-modifying treatment for allergic asthma that involves the controlled administration of standardized house dust mite allergen extracts, such as Alutard. The therapy aims to induce long-term immunological tolerance by modulating the immune system's response to the allergen. Specifically, it promotes the development of regulatory T cells (Tregs), shifts the cytokine profile from a Th2-dominated allergic response to a Th1-mediated response, and induces the production of allergen-specific blocking IgG4 antibodies. This treatment is typically administered subcutaneously in a dose-escalation phase followed by a maintenance phase. In the context of clinical research at Qianfoshan Hospital, this standardized AIT protocol is being evaluated for its efficacy and safety in Chinese patients with moderate to severe allergic asthma, often in combination with anti-IgE therapies like omalizumab to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of systemic reactions.

Brand names

Alutard

Other names

Allergen-specific immunotherapyAITStandardized allergen-specific immunotherapyAllergen immunotherapy