Abstract

EMERGING FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOTHERAPY: INNOVATIONS IN ALLERGY TREATMENT A REVIEW ARTICLE

*Abhigna Thotakura, Fathima Khatoon Sheik, Keerthi Bastati, Nikitha Yadavalli, Vyshnavi Biradavolu and Padmalatha Kantamaneni

ABSTRACT

Allergies have emerged as a significant public health concern, affecting a substantial portion of the population and imposing a considerable burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems. Traditional allergy treatments, such as allergen avoidance and symptom management, have limitations in addressing the underlying immune mechanisms. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has gained recognition as a promising approach to modulate the immune response and provide long-term benefits. Recent advancements in immunotherapy have opened new avenues for the treatment of allergic diseases. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) have demonstrated efficacy in treating respiratory allergies, while oral immunotherapy (OIT) has shown promise in desensitizing patients to food allergens. Novel approaches, such as peptide immunotherapy, recombinant allergen vaccines, and nanoparticle- based delivery systems, aim to enhance the safety and efficacy of AIT. Adjuvants and immune modulators are being explored to improve the potency of allergenic extracts. Combination therapies involving biologics and probiotics are emerging as potential strategies to optimize treatment outcomes. Additionally, advancements in allergen engineering, such as hypoallergenic variants and DNA vaccines, offer new tools for immunomodulation. However, challenges remain in terms of regulatory hurdles, long-term efficacy, and safety considerations. Ongoing clinical trials and real-world evidence are essential to validate the effectiveness and safety of these innovative approaches. As the field of allergy immunotherapy continues to evolve, personalized treatment strategies and biomarker-guided approaches hold promise for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Keywords: Immunotherapy, Allergy treatment, Food allergies, Allergen immunotherapy, Oral immunotherapy, Anaphylaxis, Quality of life.