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Table 1. Abbreviations and Definitions of Common Terms
Term Definition
Allergen Epitope An amino acid sequence that binds to specific IgE of an allergic
person causing an immunologic response with correlating clinical
symptoms. Shared allergen epitopes are presumed to be the basis
for allergic cross-reactivity.
Allergen A protein or glyco-protein containing one or more allergen
epitopes that can bind to IgE causing an immunologic reaction.
ese are named by the species of origin and order of discovery
(e.g., Der p 1 is the first allergen identified for Dermatophagoides
pteronyssinus).
Inhalant allergens For allergens to cause symptoms, there must be a route of
exposure such as inhalation, ingestion, injection, or skin contact.
Inhalant allergens primarily cause symptoms via inhalation and
contact with respiratory mucosa.
Allergen particles Allergens are carried by particles that can be inhaled and are
buoyant in air primarily due to size. ey are usually referred to by
order, family, genus, or species of origin (or vernacular equivalents).
Examples of allergen particles include pollen and animal dander.
Allergen
sensitization
Allergen sensitization refers to a positive allergy skin test or a test
confirming binding to allergen-specific IgE. Testing can be positive
with or without the presence of clinical allergy symptoms.
Inhalant Allerg y A condition in which IgE-mediated symptoms are induced when
naturally occurring amounts of allergen particles contact the
respiratory mucosa. ere can be co-exposures such as to the
ocular conjunctiva, nasal mucosa, and bronchial epithelium.
Inhalant AIT e treatment of inhalant allergy through repeated administration
of allergens at regular intervals to reduce allergic symptoms.
SCIT Allergen immunotherapy administered by injecting allergen into
the subcutaneous tissue.
SLIT Allergen immunotherapy administered by placing allergen
topically underneath the tongue. is can be in the form of
aqueous (SLIT-Aq) or tablet (SLIT-T) allergen.
Immunomodulation Altering the immune response resulting in continued benefit
aer discontinuation of allergen immunotherapy.
Tolerogenic Capable of producing immunological tolerance.
Pre-seasonal SLIT Administered weeks to months prior to the onset of the relevant
allergen season.
Co-seasonal SLIT Administered during the relevant allergen season.
Polyallergic Both history and testing confirm that a patient has allergies to
multiple allergens.
Polysensitized Multiple allergens positive on allerg y testing.
