Sublingual Immunotherapy: A Novel, Albeit Not so New, Immunotherapy Treatment Modality

Abstract

Specific allergy immunotherapy traditionally has been thought of as subcutaneous injection immunotherapy (SCIT). There also are noninjection routes for the administration of immunotherapy. The best-known and studied of these noninjection routes is the sublingual route, usually known as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). SLIT has been in use for many decades; however, to this date, it is not well known to the majority of allergy practitioners in this country. The purpose of this study is to help change this perception so that SLIT eventually can be considered one more tool in the allergist's armamentarium. A literature review was performed. It included articles from the early American clinicians and present publications that are mostly of European origin. It will become clear to the reader that the key features of SLIT are its efficacy, great safety, and simplicity of administration. SLIT is a safe treatment modality that should be considered as a useful additional tool in the therapeutic armamentarium.