The Possible Unveiling of Myasthenia Gravis via Allergy Shots.
Ami Thakor Philipp, Lorraine Anderson
Abstract
Open AccessThis case report discusses subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and explores whether myasthenia gravis symptoms developed in a patient due to subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy treatment. SCIT is known to induce immune tolerance through the generation of allergen-specific regulatory T and B cells, increased allergen-specific IgG4, and suppression of effector cell responses, resulting in sustained clinical benefit for allergic disease. Although SCIT is considered safe and is not associated with an increased risk of autoimmune disease in large population studies, rare case reports have raised concerns about its potential to trigger autoimmune conditions. The most common triggers for autoimmune diseases, including myasthenia gravis, remain unclear, but allergic diseases themselves may confer an increased risk. This case report highlights the need for further research into the immunological mechanisms and potential triggers of autoimmunity in the context of allergen immunotherapy.