This massive reference thoroughly analyzes the mechanisms implicated in the pathophysiology of asthma, such as T helper lymphocyte subsets, and the consequences of various extrinsic and intrinsic factors, and IgE receptor expression-reviewing current concepts in immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of this and other allergic diseases. Investigates the only category of treatment showing the potential to affect the natural course of allergic diseases and prevent the onset of asthma. Written by more than 80 internationally renowned pulmonary experts, allergic disease specialists, and basic researchers, Immunotherapy in Asthma discusses the efficacy of new medications examines the role of metachromatic cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, and other cell types present in bronchial biopsies presents basic topics such as the functional and phenotypic properties of Th1 and Th2 cells and their role in allergic disease and the regulation of IgE-mediated inflammatory responses addresses the deleterious effects of smoking and passive exposure to cigarette smoke in children and adults assesses differences and similarities between intrinsic and antigen-induced asthma describes the effects of immunogenic peptides on the cytokine production profile of allergen-specific CD4+ T cells explains the different clinical aspects of allergic responses, such as bronchial hyperreactivity and eosinophilic inflammation of the airways reviews the genetic basis of allergy, as well as risk factors for asthma explores oral, sublingual, local nasal, and local bronchial routes for noninjective immunotherapies evaluates various agents with modulatory effects on normal and pathogenic immune responses focuses on strategies for the prevention of childhood asthma and more! Containing over 3000 references, drawings, and tables, Immunotherapy in Asthma is an indispensable resource for pulmonologists, immunologists, allergists, and medical school students in these disciplines.