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Veterinary dermatology2009; 20(2); 84-98; doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2008.00727.x

A review of allergen-specific immunotherapy in human and veterinary medicine.

Abstract: This article reviews allergen-specific immunotherapy in human and veterinary medicine. Current hypotheses of possible mechanisms of actions are outlined. Indications, success rates, adverse effects and factors influencing outcome of therapy are discussed in humans, dogs, cats and horses.
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Publication Date: 2009-03-27 PubMed ID: 19320877DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2008.00727.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research paper explores the techniques, applications, successes, and potential risks of allergen-specific immunotherapy in both human and animal cases. It provides an overview of current theories regarding how this type of therapy works and discusses the variables that contribute to the treatment outcome in humans, dogs, cats, and horses.

Methods of Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy

  • The paper begins by detailing allergen-specific immunotherapy. This is a treatment method used to desensitize the body to specific allergens. It involves a long-term treatment process which introduces small doses of the allergen to the body to build up resistance.
  • The medically administered doses are gradually increased and over time, the patient’s immune system builds a tolerance to the allergens. This effectively reduces or entirely eliminates the allergic symptoms suffered by the patient.

Mechanisms of Actions

  • Next, the researchers outline the proposed mechanisms of action for this form of therapy. While still not entirely understood, these mechanisms could involve the creation of “blocking antibodies” that prevent the triggering of the allergic reaction or altering specific types of immune cells to reduce the severity of reactions.
  • The research also suggests that the treatment might work by reducing inflammation caused by exposure to allergens. However, more detailed biological processes need further exploration to fully understand how this works.

Indications and Success Rates

  • The study then moves onto discussing the conditions under which this therapy can be applied successfully in both human and veterinary medicine, as well as the success rates of these treatments.
  • It notes that factors such as age, sex, breed (in animals), specific allergen sensitivity and reactivity, and the duration of immunotherapy can influence the success rates.
  • The article also provides data on the treatment’s success rates, showing an overall effectiveness in long-term allergy management in humans, cats, dogs, and horses.

Adverse Effects

  • Despite the success rates of the therapy, the researchers also discuss the potential adverse effects, including immune system overstimulation and unwanted side-effects from repeated exposure to allergens.
  • The severity of these effects can differ based on the individual’s age, overall health, and specific allergies.

Influencing Factors on Outcomes

  • Finally, the article discusses the factors that can influence the outcome of this therapy.
  • These factors can include the amount and type of allergen administered, administration route, the frequency of doses, and specific characteristics of the individual being treated such as their level of sensitivity to the allergen.

Cite This Article

APA
Loewenstein C, Mueller RS. (2009). A review of allergen-specific immunotherapy in human and veterinary medicine. Vet Dermatol, 20(2), 84-98. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3164.2008.00727.x

Publication

Veterinary dermatology
ISSN: 1365-3164
NlmUniqueID: 9426187
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 20
Issue: 2
Pages: 84-98

Researcher Affiliations

Loewenstein, Christine
  • Tierärztliche Klinik für Kleintiere, Bereich Dermatologie, Im Langgewann 9, 65719 Hofheim, Germany.
Mueller, Ralf S

    MeSH Terms

    • Allergens / immunology
    • Animals
    • Desensitization, Immunologic / methods
    • Humans
    • Hypersensitivity / therapy
    • Hypersensitivity / veterinary

    Citations

    This article has been cited 17 times.
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    3. Abrams SB, Brock GN, Palettas M, Bolner ML, Moore-Sowers T, Plunkett GA, Cole LK, Diaz SF, Lorch G. An evaluation of veterinary allergen extract content and resultant canine intradermal threshold concentrations. Vet Dermatol 2018 Dec;29(6):496-e167.
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    5. Klier J, Geis S, Steuer J, Geh K, Reese S, Fuchs S, Mueller RS, Winter G, Gehlen H. A comparison of nanoparticullate CpG immunotherapy with and without allergens in spontaneously equine asthma-affected horses, an animal model. Immun Inflamm Dis 2018 Mar;6(1):81-96.
      doi: 10.1002/iid3.198pubmed: 29094511google scholar: lookup
    6. Plant JD, Neradilek MB. Effectiveness of regionally-specific immunotherapy for the management of canine atopic dermatitis. BMC Vet Res 2017 Jan 5;13(1):4.
      doi: 10.1186/s12917-016-0917-zpubmed: 28056956google scholar: lookup
    7. Mueller RS, Janda J, Jensen-Jarolim E, Rhyner C, Marti E. Allergens in veterinary medicine. Allergy 2016 Jan;71(1):27-35.
      doi: 10.1111/all.12726pubmed: 26280544google scholar: lookup
    8. Jensen-Jarolim E, Einhorn L, Herrmann I, Thalhammer JG, Panakova L. Pollen Allergies in Humans and their Dogs, Cats and Horses: Differences and Similarities. Clin Transl Allergy 2015;5:15.
      doi: 10.1186/s13601-015-0059-6pubmed: 25852853google scholar: lookup
    9. Plant JD, Neradelik MB, Polissar NL, Fadok VA, Scott BA. Agreement between allergen-specific IgE assays and ensuing immunotherapy recommendations from four commercial laboratories in the USA. Vet Dermatol 2014 Feb;25(1):15-e6.
      doi: 10.1111/vde.12104pubmed: 24461034google scholar: lookup
    10. Eichenseer M, Johansen C, Mueller RS. Efficacy of dimetinden and hydroxyzine/chlorpheniramine in atopic dogs: a randomised, controlled, double-blinded trial. Vet Rec 2013 Nov 2;173(17):423.
      doi: 10.1136/vr.101907pubmed: 24114734google scholar: lookup
    11. Wang JW, Li K, Hellermann G, Lockey RF, Mohapatra S, Mohapatra S. Regulating the Regulators: microRNA and Asthma. World Allergy Organ J 2011 Jun;4(6):94-103.
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    12. Vidal C, Romero L, Lopez-Freire S, Carballada-Gonzalez F, Garcia-Robaina JC, Gonzalez-Fernandez T, Mendez-Brea P, Nieto E, Ruiz-Garcia M. Clinical Trial With a Depigmented, Polymerized Mite Mixture Extract at Maximum Concentrations. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024 Dec;12(12):e70090.
      doi: 10.1002/iid3.70090pubmed: 39698951google scholar: lookup
    13. Nagata M, Kozakai J, Yoshida A, Kameyama K, Oboso H, Muto H, Ogino S, Tsukui T. Immunotherapy using pullulan-conjugated Der f 2 allergen in canine atopic dermatitis: An anti-inflammatory agent-sparing approach. Vet Dermatol 2025 Aug;36(4):443-452.
      doi: 10.1111/vde.13315pubmed: 39686904google scholar: lookup
    14. Olivry T, Fontao AM, Aumayr M, Ivanovova NP, Mitterer G, Harwanegg C. Validation of a Multiplex Molecular Macroarray for the Determination of Allergen-Specific IgE Sensitizations in Dogs. Vet Sci 2024 Oct 7;11(10).
      doi: 10.3390/vetsci11100482pubmed: 39453074google scholar: lookup
    15. Widorn L, Zabolotski Y, Mueller RS. A prospective study evaluating the correlation between local weather conditions, pollen counts and pruritus of dogs with atopic dermatitis. Vet Dermatol 2024 Oct;35(5):500-507.
      doi: 10.1111/vde.13268pubmed: 38887962google scholar: lookup
    16. Hörner-Schmid L, Palić J, Mueller RS, Schulz B. Serum Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Cats with Inflammatory Bronchial Disease. Animals (Basel) 2023 Oct 15;13(20).
      doi: 10.3390/ani13203226pubmed: 37893950google scholar: lookup
    17. van Eeden ME, Vientós-Plotts AI, Cohn LA, Reinero CR. Serum allergen-specific IgE reactivity: is there an association with clinical severity and airway eosinophilia in asthmatic cats?. J Feline Med Surg 2020 Dec;22(12):1129-1136.
      doi: 10.1177/1098612X20907178pubmed: 32167403google scholar: lookup
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