Immune tolerance to specific allergens

Immune tolerance to specific allergens is a physiological state characterized by the absence of a harmful immune response upon exposure to a previously sensitizing allergen [Akdis CA, Akdis M. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014]. This state is achieved through the modulation of the immune system, specifically by shifting the balance from a Th2-dominated allergic response to a regulatory environment [Larche M, et al. Nat Rev Immunol. 2006]. Key players in this process include regulatory T (Treg) cells and regulatory B (Breg) cells, which produce suppressive cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF-beta to inhibit IgE-mediated mast cell and basophil activation. Therapeutic strategies like allergen immunotherapy (AIT) aim to induce this tolerance by gradually exposing the patient to increasing doses of the allergen, thereby promoting the production of \blocking\ IgG4 antibodies [Shamji MH, Durham SR. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2017]. While not a single molecular entity, achieving immune tolerance is the gold standard for treating allergic diseases like asthma and hay fever, as it provides long-lasting relief even after treatment cessation.

Other names

Allergen-specific toleranceImmunological tolerance to allergensClinical toleranceDesensitization (long-term)

Induction of regulatory T and B cells, suppression of Th2-mediated inflammation, and production of allergen-specific IgG4 blocking antibodies.