Emerging therapies for autoimmunity, allergy and other chronic inflammatory conditions: From immune modulation to precision medicine [narrative and comprehensive review]

Autoimmunity, allergic reactions and other chronic inflammatory diseases are caused by persistent overstimulation of the immune system, sometimes due to unknown triggers. In a state of chronic inflammation, the immune system can target even healthy, unaffected tissues, and may involve multiple organ systems including digestive, respiratory, musculoskeletal and skin. The currently available treatments, including antihistamines, immunosuppressants and corticosteroids, primarily focus on alleviating symptoms instead of targeting the root cause of inflammation, in addition to being associated with a variety of side effects. Emerging approaches in immunology and molecular medicine focus on the development of novel therapies, aimed at correcting the underlying disease cause. These new approaches encompass a vast array of treatments – from biologics and targeted therapies against specific cytokines or small-molecules inhibitors (e.g. IL-1, IL-6, JAK and BTK inhibitors) to novel drug delivery systems and modulation of gut microbiome (GM), thus paving the way towards more precise and personalized treatment. Novel therapies will potentially allow the management of chronic immune-mediated illnesses with greater efficacy, fewer side effects and eventually better outcomes. Our broad overview tackles the most recent innovations in the field and their potential to reshape the future of care for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, allergies and other chronic inflammatory conditions, while highlighting the need for further research to ensure the safety and efficacy of such treatments along with ethical considerations.