Therapeutic induction of antigen-specific immune tolerance

The development of therapeutic approaches for the induction of robust, long-lasting and antigen-specific immune tolerance remains an important unmet clinical need for the management of autoimmunity, allergy, organ transplantation and gene therapy. Recent breakthroughs in our understanding of immune tolerance mechanisms have opened new research avenues and therapeutic opportunities in this area. Here, we review mechanisms of immune tolerance and novel methods for its therapeutic induction. The induction of antigen-specific immune tolerance is considered the 'holy grail' of disease management for autoimmunity and organ transplantation. Are we getting any closer to this goal? Here, the authors update us on the current progress and challenges to the therapeutic induction of antigen-specific immune tolerance.