Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is still the only disease-modifying treatment strategy for
IgE-mediated allergic diseases, with consolidated evidence both in adults and children. AIT is effective in determining clinical improvement of
allergic rhinitis and
asthma, such as reduced symptoms, medication use, and improvement of quality of life, with a long-lasting effect after
cessation of treatment. Results from recent clinical studies have implemented the evidence of effectiveness and safety of allergen immunotherapy for the treatment of allergic
asthma, so that the current
asthma guidelines now recommend sublingual immunotherapy as an add-on
therapy for
asthma in adults and adolescents with
house dust mite allergy,
allergic rhinitis, and exacerbations despite low-to-moderate dose ICS, with forced expiratory volume in 1 second more than 70% predicted. AIT may also reduce the risk of progression from
allergic rhinitis to
asthma in children and prevent the onset of new sensitizations, thus representing a potentially preventive method of treatment. The aim of this review is to present an updated overview of the clinical indications of AIT, with particular reference to pediatric
asthma, of the mechanisms of clinical and immunological tolerance to
allergens, and of the potential
biomarkers predicting clinical response.