allergoiden

An allergoid is a modified allergen. Allergens are substances that can cause an allergic reaction, typically proteins found in things like pollen, dust mites, or certain foods. Allergoids are created by chemically altering the allergen, usually through a process that involves formaldehyde. This modification aims to reduce the allergen's ability to trigger an allergic response, such as the production of IgE antibodies, while ideally retaining its ability to induce a tolerance-building immune response.

The primary application of allergoids is in allergy immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots or desensitization. By administering gradually increasing doses of the allergoid, the immune system can become less reactive to the allergen over time. This process can help alleviate the symptoms of allergies and improve the quality of life for individuals with allergic conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and insect venom allergies. Unlike native allergens, allergoids are designed to be less likely to cause immediate allergic reactions during treatment. Their development represents an advancement in the field of allergy treatment, offering a safer and potentially more effective way to manage allergic diseases.