Immune System (Induction of Tolerance via Exposure to Specific Allergens)

The induction of immune tolerance to specific allergens is a process by which the immune system becomes unresponsive or less reactive to substances that would otherwise trigger allergic responses. This is achieved through controlled exposure to allergens, leading to a shift in immune response and the development of regulatory mechanisms that suppress allergy-associated inflammation. Key mechanisms include the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs), cytokine modulation (increased IL-10 and TGF-β, decreased IL-4), antibody profile shifts (increase in allergen-specific IgG4 and IgA, decrease in IgE), and altered dendritic cell phenotype. Allergen-specific immunotherapy leverages these mechanisms to reduce or eliminate clinical symptoms upon subsequent exposures.

Other names

Allergen ToleranceAllergen-specific ImmunotherapyOral ToleranceMucosal Desensitization

Expansion/functional enhancement of allergen-specific regulatory lymphocytes, shift from Th2 to Th1/Treg profile, induction of blocking antibodies (IgG4), suppression of effector cell function (mast cells, eosinophils).