Abstract

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) and vaccination against infectious agents (VIA) are treatments actively interfering with the immune system. This raises the question of whether these therapies influence each other positively and/or negatively if applied simultaneously. For AIT, it should be taken into account that the mechanisms of subcutaneous and sublingual allergen application are in principle similar, but must be assessed in respect to vaccination differently due to their different routes of allergen administration. Here, the immunological mechanisms of both AIT application forms in respect to VIA are discussed in more detail followed by a critical discussion based on the literature and considering current practice.

Author Details

Authors

• Margitta Worm¹
• Oliver Pfaar²

Departments

• ¹ Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Campus Charité Mitte, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and
• ² Section of Rhinology and Allergy, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany

Address

Prof. Dr. med. Margitta Worm, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Campus Charité Mitte, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Email: [email protected]

Citation