-1
$\begingroup$

As I understand the answer to Allergic rhinitis vaccine, the vaccine facilitates immune response against the antigen.

Given that allergy is an overreaction of the immune system against harmless antigens, how can facilitation of the immune response act as a cure (moderate the response or so)?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
6
  • $\begingroup$ This is basic and also broad. I see you read this question: biology.stackexchange.com/q/30195/5198. Though it is not the same question, it does provide the answer. See also a possible duplicate: How Do White Blood Cells Learn? Or Do They? $\endgroup$
    – anongoodnurse
    Commented Apr 9, 2018 at 15:06
  • $\begingroup$ @anongoodnurse Indeed, I had read the linked questions. Don't get me wrong, but I think one of us is misinterpreting written text again. Why do you think questions about facilitation of the immune response against a pathogen address moderation of the response against an allergen? $\endgroup$
    – abukaj
    Commented Apr 15, 2018 at 15:23
  • $\begingroup$ "...how can facilitation of the immune response act as a cure?" There is no mendion of moderation of the immune response in your question. That is a different (and also broad) question. $\endgroup$
    – anongoodnurse
    Commented Apr 15, 2018 at 16:48
  • $\begingroup$ @anongoodnurse ok, now it is stated explicitly $\endgroup$
    – abukaj
    Commented Apr 15, 2018 at 20:52
  • $\begingroup$ Still basic (first question) and now too broad. $\endgroup$
    – anongoodnurse
    Commented Apr 16, 2018 at 0:28

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0
$\begingroup$

The theory is that constant and gradual escalation of the administered dose of allergen eventually tolerizes the immune system to the allergen through the induction of peripheral Tregs or IL-10-secreting effectors.

While the purpose of a traditional vaccine against a pathogen is usually to rile up the immune system with and adjuvant or modulators, the idea of allergy immunotherapy is to sensitize the patient to the problematic allergen by implementing chronic exposutre. That mechanism is still poorly understand and is not thought to have immune memory, as the effects of the therapy tail off after discontinuation.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .