Peptide immunotherapy.

Synthetic peptides representing T-cell epitopes of allergens and autoantigens have been employed to induce antigen-specific tolerance in vivo in experimental models and the clinical setting. Delivery of peptides orally or by injection leads to reduced reactivity to antigen accompanied by the induction of T cells with a regulatory phenotype. Peptide therapy may provide a safe, effective, and economically viable approach for disease-modifying therapy in autoimmune and allergic diseases.