Carbohydrates in allergy: from disease to novel immunotherapies

Respiratory allergic disorders are a global public health problem that are responsible for substantial morbidity and healthcare expenditure. Despite the availability of allergen immunotherapy (AIT), its efficacy is suboptimal and regimens are lengthy, with a significant risk of potentially severe side effects. Studies on the recognition of allergens by immune cells through carbohydrate–lectin interactions, which play a crucial role in immune modulation and pathogenesis of allergy, have paved the way for improvements in AIT. We highlight innovative approaches for more effective and safer AIT, including the use of allergens conjugated to specific carbohydrates that bind to C-type lectins (CLRs) and sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectins (Siglecs) on immune cells to induce suppressive responses.