Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic reactions pose significant challenges, despite the advent of Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (AIT), the sole treatment modifying allergic patient responses to natural allergen exposure. AIT employs repetitive, route-specific allergen administration, evolving from subcutaneous and sublingual methods to recent oral immunotherapy and potential intralymphatic and epicutaneous avenues. This therapy modifies immune responses by suppressing allergic effector cells like mast cells and basophils, fostering a shift from Th2 to Th1 responses, and promoting regulatory T and B cells with suppressive abilities. Despite its established usage, AIT's full mechanistic impact remains underexplored, particularly concerning the roles and modifications of effector cells, antibody interactions, and cellular epitopes.
This Research Topic aims to illuminate the molecular and cellular frameworks integral to AIT's clinical success in inducing long-term immunological tolerance. By scrutinizing the underpinnings of AIT, including T and B cell behavior modifications, cytokine involvement, and antibody dynamics, the goal is to bridge gaps between clinical efficacy and underlying biological processes, promoting a deeper understanding and enhancement of treatment strategies.
To gather further insights within this dynamic field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
T and B cell changes and mechanisms during AIT
Suppression mechanisms of specific effector cells in AIT
Roles of antigen-presenting and innate lymphoid cells
Development and refinement of in vitro and in vivo models for AIT
Innovations in the use of recombinant allergens and antibodies
Topic Editor, Jamie M Orengo is an employee and shareholder of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Cate4rina Vizzardelli declares no competing interests with regard to this Research Topic.
Keywords: Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy, effector cells, mast cells, basophils, allergen-specific CD4+ T cells, Treg, Breg, Tr1, Br1, allergen-specific IgE, allergen-specific IgG blocking antibodies, recombinant allergen, Neutrophils
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
