Experience with monoclonal antibodies in allergic mediated disease: seasonal allergic rhinitis

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001 Aug;108(2 Suppl):S84-8. doi: 10.1067/mai.2001.116433.

Abstract

Current therapies for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis include allergen avoidance; pharmacologic interventions such as sympathomimetics, topical and systemic cortico-steroids, and chromones; and immunotherapy. In an attempt to create a novel therapy, therapeutic agents have been designed to inhibit IgE responses that are intimately involved in the induction of the allergic response. Omalizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against IgE, represents a novel therapeutic intervention for seasonal allergic rhinitis. Complex formation of omalizumab with serum-free IgE reduces the amount of IgE available for binding to effector cells and thus has the potential to reduce IgE-mediated allergic symptoms. Clinical trial results confirmed that omalizumab reduces free IgE to a level that is associated with suppressed allergic symptoms, reduces concomitant rescue medication use, and improves rhinitis-specific quality of life. Patients treated with omalizumab during one pollen season can be re-treated during the subsequent season with minimal risk of adverse events. Omalizumab is non-allergen-specific and does not induce acute anaphylaxis because of the lack of IgE crosslinking with basophil- or mast-cell-bound IgE. Furthermore, subcutaneous or intravenous administration of omalizumab does not invoke the generation of anti-omalizumab antibodies. Thus, omalizumab represents a novel agent that should assist in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Allergic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Humans
  • Omalizumab
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Allergic Agents
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Omalizumab