Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University ›› 2026, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (1): 106-111.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1673-3770.0.2024.081

• Review • Previous Articles    

Advances in the application of nanomedicine delivery systems in allergen immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis

GU Min1, LU Meiping1,2   

  1. 1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China2. Clinical Allergy Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
  • Published:2026-02-13

PDF (PC)

9

Abstract: Allergic rhinitis(AR)is a chronic inflammatory disease occurring in the nasal cavity of atopic individuals following inhalation of allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and molds, and is increasing in incidence worldwide. Allergen immunotherapy(AIT)is a treatment that aims to alter the natural course of AR by modulating the patient's own immune function. However, its efficacy varies greatly due to individual allergen differences and the diversity of immune targets. The unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials allow for more precise control of drug release, maintaining drug stability, reducing side effects, and enhancing immunomodulatory effects. AIT based on nanomedicine delivery systems aims to improve their efficacy and safety using nanoscale carriers. This emerging technology has broad research prospects and offers new strategies for the treatment of AR. This article reviews the application strategies and research progress of nanomedicine delivery systems in allergen immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis.

Key words: Allergic rhinitis, Allergen immunotherapy, Nanotechnology, Nanomaterials, Drug delivery system

CLC Number: 

  • R765.2
[1] Bousquet J, Anto JM, Bachert C, et al. Allergic rhinitis[J]. Nat Rev Dis Primers, 2020, 6(1): 95. doi:10.1038/s41572-020-00227-0
[2] Wise SK, Damask C, RolandLT, et al. International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: Allergic rhinitis-2023[J]. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol, 2023, 13(4): 293-859. doi:10.1002/alr.23090
[3] Vandenplas O, Vinnikov D, BlancPD, et al. Impact of rhinitis on work productivity: a systematic review[J]. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract, 2018, 6(4): 1274-1286.e9. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2017.09.002
[4] Hesse L, Oude Elberink JNG, van Oosterhout AJM, et al. Allergen immunotherapy for allergic airway diseases: use lessons from the past to design a brighter future[J]. Pharmacol Ther, 2022, 237: 108115. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108115
[5] Pfaar O, Richter H, Sager A, et al. Persistence in allergen immunotherapy: a longitudinal, prescription data-based real-world analysis[J]. Clin Transl Allergy, 2023, 13(5): e12245. doi:10.1002/clt2.12245
[6] Ruethers T, Johnston EB, Karnaneedi S, et al. Commercial shellfish skin prick test extracts show critical variability in allergen repertoire[J]. Allergy, 2023, 78(12): 3261-3265. doi:10.1111/all.15853
[7] Rana I, Oh J, Baig J, et al. Nanocarriers for cancer nano-immunotherapy[J]. Drug Deliv Transl Res, 2023, 13(7): 1936-1954. doi:10.1007/s13346-022-01241-3
[8] Bayoumy AB, Crouwel F, Chanda N, et al. Advances in thiopurine drug delivery: the current state-of-the-art[J]. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet, 2021, 46(6): 743-758. doi:10.1007/s13318-021-00716-x
[9] Moni SS, Abdelwahab SI, Jabeen A, et al. Advancements in vaccine adjuvants: the journey from alum to nano formulations[J]. Vaccines, 2023, 11(11): 1704. doi:10.3390/vaccines11111704
[10] Zhu XD, Li SL. Nanomaterials in tumor immunotherapy: new strategies and challenges[J]. Mol Cancer, 2023, 22(1): 94. doi:10.1186/s12943-023-01797-9
[11] Lee HY, Lee SM, Kang SY, et al. KAAACI guidelines for allergen immunotherapy[J]. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res, 2023, 15(6): 725-756. doi:10.4168/aair.2023.15.6.725
[12] Durham SR, Shamji MH. Allergen immunotherapy: past, present and future[J]. Nat Rev Immunol, 2023, 23(5): 317-328. doi:10.1038/s41577-022-00786-1
[13] Shamji MH, Sharif H, Layhadi JA, et al. Diverse immune mechanisms of allergen immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis with and without asthma[J]. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2022, 149(3): 791-801. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2022.01.016
[14] Layhadi JA, Lalioti A, Palmer E, et al. Mechanisms and predictive biomarkers of allergen immunotherapy in the clinic[J]. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract, 2024, 12(1): 59-66. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2023.11.027
[15] 杨慧珺, 马行凯. 过敏原免疫治疗的良好临床实践建议[J]. 中华临床免疫和变态反应杂志, 2023, 17(3): 304-305. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-8705.2023.03.024 YANG Huijun, MA Xingkai. Suggestions on good clinical practice of allergen immunotherapy[J]. Chinese Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2023, 17(3): 304-305. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-8705.2023.03.024
[16] Aricigil M, Muluk NB, Sakarya EU, et al. New routes of allergen immunotherapy[J]. Am J Rhinol Allergy, 2016, 30(6): 193-197. doi:10.2500/ajra.2016.30.4379
[17] Incorvaia C, Al-Ahmad M, Ansotegui IJ, et al. Personalized medicine for allergy treatment: Allergen immunotherapy still a unique and unmatched model[J]. Allergy, 2021, 76(4): 1041-1052. doi:10.1111/all.14575
[18] 吴星儒, 刘婉舒, 欧祖镇, 等. 变应性鼻炎经淋巴结注射免疫治疗[J]. 中华临床免疫和变态反应杂志, 2018, 12(2): 194-197. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-8705.2018.02.011 WU Xingru, LIU Wanshu, OU Zuzhen, et al. Intralymphatic immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis[J]. Chinese Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2018, 12(2): 194-197. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-8705.2018.02.011
[19] Senti G, Crameri R, Kuster D, et al. Intralymphatic immunotherapy for cat allergy induces tolerance after only 3 injections[J]. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2012, 129(5): 1290-1296. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2012.02.026
[20] Jiang SJ, Xie SB, Tang QP, et al. Evaluation of intralymphatic immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. Mediators Inflamm, 2023, 2023: 9377518. doi:10.1155/2023/9377518
[21] Wang QX, Wang K, Qin Y, et al. Intra-cervical lymphatic immunotherapy for dust mite-induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children: a 3-year prospective randomized controlled trial[J]. Front Immunol, 2023, 14: 1144813. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1144813
[22] Kasemsuk N, Ngaotepprutaram P, Kanjanawasee D, et al. Local nasal immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol, 2022, 12(12): 1503-1516. doi:10.1002/alr.23011
[23] Kanjanawasee D, Tantilipikorn P. LNIT-Local nasal immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis: revisited evidence and perspectives[J]. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol, 2022, 22(4): 259-267. doi:10.1097/ACI.0000000000000830
[24] Kehagia E, Papakyriakopoulou P, Valsami G. Advances in intranasal vaccine delivery: a promising non-invasive route of immunization[J]. Vaccine, 2023, 41(24): 3589-3603. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.05.011
[25] Langer R. Drug delivery and targeting[J]. Nature, 1998, 392(6679 Suppl): 5-10
[26] Adepu S, Ramakrishna S. Controlled drug delivery systems: current status and future directions[J]. Molecules, 2021, 26(19): 5905. doi:10.3390/molecules26195905
[27] Shi JJ, Kantoff PW, Wooster R, et al. Cancer nanomedicine: progress, challenges and opportunities[J]. Nat Rev Cancer, 2017, 17(1): 20-37. doi:10.1038/nrc.2016.108
[28] Fang J, Nakamura H, Maeda H. The EPR effect: unique features of tumor blood vessels for drug delivery, factors involved, and limitations and augmentation of the effect[J]. Adv Drug Deliv Rev, 2011, 63(3): 136-151. doi:10.1016/j.addr.2010.04.009
[29] Brudno Y, Pezone MJ, Snyder TK, et al. Replenishable drug depot to combat post-resection cancer recurrence[J]. Biomaterials, 2018, 178: 373-382. doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.05.005
[30] Azharuddin M, Zhu GH, Sengupta A, et al. Nano toolbox in immune modulation and nanovaccines[J]. Trends Biotechnol, 2022, 40(10): 1195-1212. doi:10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.03.011
[31] Lin G, Wang J, Yang YG, et al. Advances in dendritic cell targeting nano-delivery systems for induction of immune tolerance[J]. Front Bioeng Biotechnol, 2023, 11: 1242126. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1242126
[32] Lin YJ, Zimmermann J, Schülke S. Novel adjuvants in allergen-specific immunotherapy: where do we stand [J] Front Immunol, 2024, 15: 1348305. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1348305
[33] Nagy NA, de Haas AM, Geijtenbeek TBH, et al. Therapeutic liposomal vaccines for dendritic cell activation or tolerance[J]. Front Immunol, 2021, 12: 674048. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.674048
[34] Keshavarz Shahbaz S, Varasteh AR, Koushki K, et al. Sublingual dendritic cells targeting by aptamer: possible approach for improvement of sublingual immunotherapy efficacy[J]. Int Immunopharmacol, 2020, 85: 106603. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106603
[35] Macri C, Dumont C, Johnston AP, et al. Targeting dendritic cells: a promising strategy to improve vaccine effectiveness[J]. Clin Transl Immunology, 2016, 5(3): e66. doi:10.1038/cti.2016.6
[36] Simpson JD, Ray A, Marcon C, et al. Single-molecule analysis of SARS-CoV-2 binding to C-type lectin receptors[J]. Nano Lett, 2023, 23(4): 1496-1504. doi:10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c04931
[37] Aljabali AA, Obeid MA, Bashatwah RM, et al. Nanomaterials and their impact on the immune system[J]. Int J Mol Sci, 2023, 24(3): 2008. doi:10.3390/ijms24032008
[38] Lin PH, Cao MD, Xia F, et al. A phosphatase-mimetic nano-stabilizer of mast cells for long-term prevention of allergic disease[J]. Adv Sci, 2021, 8(8): 2004115. doi:10.1002/advs.202004115
[39] Scotland BL, Shaw JR, Dharmaraj S, et al. Cell and biomaterial delivery strategies to induce immune tolerance[J]. Adv Drug Deliv Rev, 2023, 203: 115141. doi:10.1016/j.addr.2023.115141
[40] Liu Q, Wang X, Liu XS, et al. Use of polymeric nanoparticle platform targeting the liver to induce treg-mediated antigen-specific immune tolerance in a pulmonary allergen sensitization model[J]. ACS Nano, 2019, 13(4): 4778-4794. doi:10.1021/acsnano.9b01444
[41] Saito E, Gurczynski SJ, Kramer KR, et al. Modulating lung immune cells by pulmonary delivery of antigen-specific nanoparticles to treat autoimmune disease[J]. Sci Adv, 2020, 6(42): eabc9317. doi:10.1126/sciadv.abc9317
[42] Zhao TM, Cai YL, Jiang YJ, et al. Vaccine adjuvants: mechanisms and platforms[J]. Signal Transduct Target Ther, 2023, 8(1): 283. doi:10.1038/s41392-023-01557-7
[43] Roth GA, Picece VCTM, Ou BS, et al. Designing spatial and temporal control of vaccine responses[J]. Nat Rev Mater, 2022, 7(3): 174-195. doi:10.1038/s41578-021-00372-2
[44] Roth GA, Gale EC, Alcántara-Hernández M, et al. Injectable hydrogels for sustained codelivery of subunit vaccines enhance humoral immunity[J]. ACS Cent Sci, 2020, 6(10): 1800-1812. doi:10.1021/acscentsci.0c00732
[45] O'Hagan DT, van der Most R, Lodaya RN, et al. “World in motion” - emulsion adjuvants rising to meet the pandemic challenges[J]. NPJ Vaccines, 2021, 6(1): 158. doi:10.1038/s41541-021-00418-0
[46] van Strien J, Warmenhoven H, Logiantara A, et al. Betv1-displaying elastin-like polypeptide nanoparticles induce a strong humoral and weak CD4+ T-cell response against Betv1 in a murine immunogenicity model[J]. Front Immunol, 2022, 13: 1006776. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.1006776
[47] Balenga NA, Zahedifard F, Weiss R, et al. Protective efficiency of dendrosomes as novel nano-sized adjuvants for DNA vaccination against birch pollen allergy[J]. J Biotechnol, 2006, 124(3): 602-614. doi:10.1016/j.jbiotec.2006.01.014
[48] Shahgordi S, Sankian M, Yazdani Y, et al. Immune responses modulation by curcumin and allergen encapsulated into PLGA nanoparticles in mice model of rhinitis allergic through sublingual immunotherapy[J]. Int Immunopharmacol, 2020, 84: 106525. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106525
[49] Smarr CB, Yap WT, Neef TP, et al. Biodegradable antigen-associated PLG nanoparticles tolerize Th2-mediated allergic airway inflammation pre- and postsensitization[J]. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2016, 113(18): 5059-5064. doi:10.1073/pnas.1505782113
[50] Krieg AM. CpG motifs in bacterial DNA and their immune effects[J]. Annu Rev Immunol, 2002, 20: 709-760. doi:10.1146/annurev.immunol.20.100301.064842
[51] Hanagata N. CpG oligodeoxynucleotide nanomedicines for the prophylaxis or treatment of cancers, infectious diseases, and allergies[J]. Int J Nanomedicine, 2017, 12: 515-531. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S114477
[52] Yang X, Su B, Liu J, et al. A CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide suppresses Th2/Th17 inflammation by inhibiting IL-33/ST2 signaling in mice from a model of adoptive dendritic cell transfer of smoke-induced asthma[J]. Int J Mol Sci, 2023, 24(4): 3130. doi: 10.3390/ijms24043130
[53] Zhou J, Deng GM. The role of bacterial DNA containing CpG motifs in diseases[J]. J Leukoc Biol, 2021, 109(5): 991-998. doi: 10.1002/JLB.3MR1220-748RRRRR
[54] Liu W, Ota M, Tabushi M, et al. Development of allergic rhinitis immunotherapy using antigen-loaded small extracellular vesicles[J]. J Control Release, 2022, 345: 433-442. doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.03.016
[55] Sun SC. The non-canonical NF-κB pathway in immunity and inflammation[J]. Nat Rev Immunol, 2017, 17: 545-558. doi:10.1038/nri.2017.52
[56] Karri U, Harasimowicz M, Carpio Tumba M, et al. The complexity of Being A20: from biological functions to genetic associations[J]. J Clin Immunol, 2024, 44(3): 76. doi: 10.1007/s10875-024-01681-1
[57] Hu WH, Ma L, Yang G, et al. Der p2-A20 DNA vaccine attenuates allergic inflammation in mice with allergic rhinitis[J]. Mol Med Rep, 2019, 20(6): 4925-4932. doi:10.3892/mmr.2019.10760
[58] Jewell CM, Bustamante López SC, Irvine DJ. In situ engineering of the lymph node microenvironment via intranodal injection of adjuvant-releasing polymer particles[J]. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2011, 108(38): 15745-15750. doi:10.1073/pnas.1105200108
[1] LYU Qian, TANG Yuan, GU Zijun, SHI Sailei, LIU Ping, WAN Wenjin. Current status of benefit finding among patients with allergic rhinitis and its influence factors [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2026, 40(1): 21-28.
[2] QIN Nana, LI Yufen, SUN Yuhao, WEI Jian, LI Qin. Effect of interleukin-13 receptor-α2 on nasal mucosal remodeling in rats with allergic rhinitis by TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(6): 71-77.
[3] DU Kangli, ZHENG Zhenyu, XU Zhanjiang, ZHANG Yu, CHEN Lu, LU Mengyao. Construction and validation of risk prediction model for nasal septal deviation complicated with chronic sinusitis [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(6): 78-86.
[4] XIONG Qin, ZHANG Yan, WU Rina, LI Feng, TANG Lixing. Application of intranasal corticosteroids in pediatrics [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(6): 160-167.
[5] WANG Xiaojie, ZHANG Mingjun, SONG Zheying, CUI Limei, SONG Xicheng. Anti-cancer mechanism and research progress of kaempferol [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(6): 168-178.
[6] XU Xuemeng, FAN Lei, YU Wangbo, JIANG Zhiyue, PAN Chen, HUANG Yongqin. Meta-analysis of the efficacy of omalizumab in combination with specific immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(5): 26-33.
[7] HUANG Huan, HUA Hongli, DENG Yuqin, JIANG Chengyang, WANG Yuwei, YANG Xinghai. Correlation of allergic rhinitis, tonsil adenoid hypertrophy, and sinusitis in children and analysis of its clinical guiding value [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(5): 34-41.
[8] LIU Yijun, GU Yue, GUAN Dayu, YANG Yucheng, SHEN Yang. The long-term clinical efficacy and safety of vidian neurectomy in refractory allergic rhinitis [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(5): 42-48.
[9] ZHANG Ting, WANG Meilan, GAO Yingqin. Research progress of IL-35 in allergic rhinitis [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(5): 139-147.
[10] FU Lijun, WANG Haiyang, WANG Yuqi, ZOU Yuhao, ZOU Jian. Immune mechanism and clinical application of the intranasal vaccine in nasopharyngeal-associated lymphoid tissues [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(4): 93-99.
[11] ZHANG Zhuping, PENG Zican, XIAO Zhenlong, LI Cheng, YU Di, WANG Xinglong, CHEN Wei, Guo Bei. The value of a novel nasal secretion eosinophil cationic protein-myeloperoxidase test paper assay in allergic rhinitis [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(3): 129-134.
[12] LIU Chang, YANG Jingpu, GAO Yu, WANG Wenjia. Analysis of allergen detection results in children with allergic rhinitis in the Changchun area [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(2): 51-58.
[13] ZHOU Heqing, SHEN Qi. Research progress on biomarkers of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(2): 168-176.
[14] WANG Manxian, ZHENG Quan, YANG Liang. Research progress in the treatment of allergic rhinitis with bacterial lysates [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(1): 141-145.
[15] LIU Chang, FANG Hongyan, LIU Xiao, FU Dongna, WANG He, WANG Jing, YANG Jingpu. Analysis of sensitization characteristics of Artemisia pollen in autumn allergic rhinitis in the Changchun area of China [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2024, 38(5): 13-19.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited
  Shared   
  Discussed   
No Suggested Reading articles found!
Website Copyright: Editorial Office of Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University
Address: No.27 Shanda South Road, Jinan, Shandong, China. Post code: 250100 Tel: +86-0531-88366912 Email: ebhxb@sdu.edu.cn Supported by Beijing Magtech Co.Ltd