Although specific immunotherapy (SIT) has been performed for almost a century, the immune mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy are still not entirely known. In atopy-prone individuals allergens induce Th2-dominated immune responses, interleukin (IL)-4-mediated IgE production and IL-5-mediated eosinophil activation. Successful SIT has been shown to promote the shift from the Th2 to a more ThO/1-llke response and to induce regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) producing IL-10. IL-10 suppresses allergen-specific T-cell responses and induces the production of allergen-specific antibodies (blocking antibodies) (Fig. 1).
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