[Theoretical Basis of Hyposensitization. (author's transl.)].

Hyposensitization was introduced in 1911 and after nearly 70 years of this kind of immunotherapy the mechanisms involved are still obscure. Although some results may be conflicting, there is much evidence from many placebo-controlled studies that hyposensitization has a beneficial effect in patients with allergic diseases. A critical view of the immunological effects shows that increased local and systemic tolerance to the injected allergens seems to be caused by many mechanisms. The injection treatment apparently triggers the synthesis of so-called blocking antibodies, reduces IgE production and may influence the mode of macrophage presentation of allergenic determinants to the immunocompetent lymphocyte and/or the stimulation of T suppressor cells. Considering these assumptions, the understanding and probably the future of hyposensitization depends on the production of better characterized allergen extracts and on the development of simple methods for the monitoring of immunologic effects during therapy.