Future forms of immunotherapy and immunomodulators in allergic disease.

Future forms of immunotherapy, particularly toll-like receptor agonists, have shown promising results in animal models of allergic disease although most have failed to translate into successful human clinical trials. These results have helped to elucidate the pleotropic roles of cytokines as well as the diverse phenotypes of allergic diseases, particularly asthma. The goals of these therapies are to improve patient symptoms and quality of life, to prevent and favorably alter disease course, and to maintain a good risk/benefit ratio along with a cost-effective profile.