Allergy Asthma Immunol Res.  2013 Jan;5(1):3-15. 10.4168/aair.2013.5.1.3.

Oral Immunotherapy for Food Allergy: Towards a New Horizon

• Khoriaty E
• Umetsu DT

• KMID: 2167001
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4168/aair.2013.5.1.3

Abstract

Food allergy has increased dramatically in prevalence over the past decade in westernized countries, and is now a major public health problem. Unfortunately for patients with food allergy, there is no effective therapy beyond food allergen avoidance, and rapid medical treatment for accidental exposures. Recently, oral immunotherapy (OIT) has been investigated as a treatment for this problem. In this review, we will discuss the progress in developing OIT for food allergy, including a novel approach utilizing Xolair (anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, omalizumab) in combination with OIT. This combination may enhance both the safety and efficacy of oral immunotherapy, and could lead to a widely available and safe therapy for food allergy.

Keyword

Oral immunotherapy; omalizumab; anti-IgE; xolair; food allergy; desensitization

MeSH Terms

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
Food Hypersensitivity
Humans
Immunotherapy
Prevalence
Public Health
Omalizumab
Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized

Figure

• 

  Figure Study protocol: Rapid oral desensitization in combination with Omalizumab (xolair) therapy in patients with cow's milk allergy. DBPCFC, double blind placebo controlled food challenge.

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