Antigen therapy services are a specialized medical strategy focused on long-term modification of the body’s immune system response. This approach aims to address the underlying cause of an unwanted immune reaction, unlike typical medications that only treat symptoms. The primary goal is to build a sustained tolerance to specific substances the body currently perceives as a threat. By systematically altering the immune response, the therapy seeks to prevent future severe reactions and provide lasting relief.
How Antigen Therapy Works to Retrain the Immune System
The fundamental mechanism involves gradually introducing a specific antigen, which is any substance that triggers an immune response. In allergies, the immune system mistakenly produces large amounts of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies upon exposure to a harmless antigen. These IgE antibodies bind to immune cells, causing the release of chemicals like histamine that lead to allergic symptoms.
Antigen therapy shifts this harmful response away from IgE production toward a protective antibody, specifically Immunoglobulin G (IgG). The controlled, increasing exposure trains the immune system to recognize the substance as benign. This process, known as immune modulation or desensitization, encourages the development of regulatory T cells (Tregs).
These specialized Tregs actively suppress the allergic inflammatory response. They release chemical messengers that instruct other immune cells to cease the IgE reaction. This allows the newly produced IgG antibodies to bind to the antigen first, blocking the IgE-mediated allergic cascade. The result is reduced sensitivity and long-term tolerance to the specific trigger.
Medical Conditions Treated by Antigen Therapy
The most common application is Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT), used to treat severe allergies to environmental triggers. This approach is effective for conditions like allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and sensitivity to insect venom. Treatment involves using extracts from substances such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander.
The foundational concept of antigen therapy is also explored in other areas of medicine. In oncology, specialized forms of immunotherapy use antigens to guide the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Researchers are also investigating antigen-specific approaches for certain autoimmune diseases, such as Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. These experimental treatments aim to induce tolerance to the body’s own proteins, or autoantigens, that the immune system is mistakenly attacking.
Administering the Therapy: The Patient Service Journey
The patient journey begins with diagnostic testing, typically involving skin or blood tests, to pinpoint the exact antigen causing the reaction. Once the trigger is identified, a customized treatment extract is prepared. Administration is divided into two main delivery methods: Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT).
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)
SCIT involves injections, commonly called allergy shots, administered in a healthcare provider’s office. The schedule begins with a build-up phase where the antigen concentration is gradually increased in weekly or bi-weekly injections. This continues until the patient reaches a maximum safe dosage, known as the maintenance dose.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
SLIT uses drops or tablets placed under the tongue, which patients often administer daily at home after the initial supervised dose. While SCIT is generally considered more efficacious, SLIT offers greater convenience and a lower risk of severe reactions. Regardless of the route, the maintenance phase typically requires a commitment of three to five years to achieve sustained immune tolerance.
Monitoring and Managing Therapy Reactions
Safety is a primary concern because antigen therapy introduces the very substance to which a patient is sensitive. After receiving a subcutaneous injection, patients must remain in the clinic for an observation period, typically 20 to 30 minutes. This mandatory waiting period allows the healthcare team to monitor for any immediate adverse effects.
Most reactions are localized and mild, involving temporary redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site. There is a small risk of a systemic reaction, which affects multiple body systems and can manifest as hives, wheezing, or, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Providers maintain strict protocols and emergency equipment, including injectable epinephrine, to manage serious events immediately. The patient’s response is documented to allow the provider to adjust the antigen concentration for maximum patient safety.