Allergy medicine
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "allergy medicine"
Advances in Allergy Medicine: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Precision Medicine, and Immunotherapy
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Allergy and Eczema
Food Allergy and Eczema Treatment with TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown promise in treating food allergies and eczema. The Food Allergy Herbal Formula 2 (FAHF-2), derived from the classical formula Wu Mei Wan, has been effective in preventing systemic anaphylaxis in animal models and has demonstrated safety and preliminary immunomodulatory effects on T cells and basophils in humans1. Additionally, comprehensive TCM therapy has been effective in preventing severe food anaphylaxis triggered by skin contact or protein inhalation1.
Efficacy of Herbal Compounds and Acupuncture
Active compounds from TCM have shown potent inhibition of IgE, mast cell activation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting their value for both IgE and non-IgE mediated food allergies1. Furthermore, traditional Japanese herbal medicine Kakkonto has been effective in suppressing allergic diarrhea and reducing mast cells in the intestinal mucosa in murine models1. Acupuncture has also been found to reduce wheal size, skin itching, and basophil activation in atopic dermatitis patients1.
Precision Medicine in Allergy Treatment
Personalized Approaches in Allergy Management
Precision medicine is revolutionizing the treatment of allergic diseases by focusing on disease endotypes, which are phenotypic subclasses associated with specific mechanisms underlying the disease2 4 5. This approach has been particularly successful in asthma, where significant progress has been made in defining endotypes and discovering biomarkers to guide treatment2 6. However, the definitions of endotypes for food and drug allergies and anaphylaxis are still developing2.
Biomarkers and Diagnostic Tools
The identification and validation of biomarkers are crucial for the successful implementation of precision medicine in allergy treatment. These biomarkers can help in the diagnosis, treatment selection, and monitoring of allergic diseases2 6. Molecular diagnostics, such as detecting specific IgE to single-allergen molecules, have improved the precision of allergy diagnosis and treatment5.
Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (AIT)
Mechanisms and Efficacy of AIT
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is a cornerstone in the treatment of allergic disorders, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, and venom allergies3. AIT works by inducing regulatory cell subsets and suppressor cytokines like IL-10 and TGF-β, which help in maintaining allergen-specific unresponsiveness3. This leads to improved allergy symptoms, reduced medication requirements, and decreased disease severity3.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite its efficacy, AIT faces challenges such as long treatment durations, high costs, and the risk of severe adverse reactions3. Future research aims to develop purified non-allergenic, highly-immunogenic modified allergen extracts and novel adjuvant molecules to shorten treatment durations and reduce these drawbacks3. Combining AIT with antibody-based treatments could also establish more rapid protocols, even for allergens with a high risk of anaphylactic reactions8.
Conclusion
The field of allergy medicine is advancing with the integration of traditional Chinese medicine, precision medicine, and allergen-specific immunotherapy. TCM offers promising alternative treatments for food allergies and eczema, while precision medicine and AIT provide personalized and effective approaches to managing allergic diseases. Continued research and development in these areas hold the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic