Intralymphatic Immunotherapy (ILIT™) is a proven protocol in allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) that offers a faster, more targeted approach to treating allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. By delivering allergens directly into the lymph nodes, ILIT triggers a powerful immune response, requiring fewer injections than traditional subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and a shorter treatment period than sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). This makes it an attractive option for allergists seeking to offer a highly effective treatment with an excellent safety profile.
How ILIT works
ILIT delivers small doses of allergens directly into the lymph nodes,
where abundant antigen-presenting cells (APCs) trigger a strong
immune response. The therapy induces long-term tolerance by
promoting regulatory T-cell development and increasing allergen-
specific IgG4 levels, effectively blocking IgE-driven allergic reactions.
Pollen Allergies
ILIT is effective for pollen-induced allergic rhinitis, reducing nasal and eye symptoms with long-lasting relief after only three injections.- Studies show significant symptom relief lasting 3+ years, with a 19-year follow-up showing 76% of patients still benefiting.
- Minimal side effects, mainly mild local reactions (e.g., swelling or redness at the injection site).
House Dust Mite Allergies
- ILIT effectively reduces symptoms of house dust mite-induced allergic rhinitis.
- No severe adverse effects, only mild local reactions.
Cat & Dog Allergies
- ILIT has shown success in treating cat and dog allergies, with long-term symptom relief after just three injections.
- Significant reductions in symptoms, especially for cat allergies, where long-term immune tolerance was observed.
- Mild local side effects reported, no severe reactions.
- ILIT has a strong safety profile across studies, with fewer injections and lower allergen doses compared to SCIT.
- No severe systemic reactions were reported in clinical trials, with mild local reactions (swelling, itching) being the most common side effects.
- Studies across different allergens consistently confirm that ILIT is highly tolerable, with minimal discomfort for patients.
Time efficiency
- ILIT requires only three injections over 8 weeks, while SCIT requires weekly injections for 3-5 years, and SLIT requires daily administration for 3-5 years.
Efficacy
- ILIT offers similar or superior long-term symptom relief compared to SCIT, with some patients experiencing benefits for up to 19 years.
Safety
- ILIT has fewer adverse reactions than SCIT, which carries a higher risk of systemic side effects due to larger allergen doses. SLIT is generally safe but can suffer from poor adherence due to the daily administration requirement.
The future of ILIT
Research is now exploring ILIT beyond airborne allergens, with promising developments in treating both food and venom allergies. Early studies suggest ILIT could offer long-term tolerance and safety in these challenging areas. AILN are the leaders in development of future applications of ILIT to conditions beyond allergic rhinitis.
Food Allergies
Early research is exploring ILIT’s potential for treating food allergies. Trials are ongoing to assess its safety and efficacy in inducing tolerance without severe reactions.
Venom Allergies
Studies in animal models show promise for ILIT in venom allergies (bee, wasp). Human trials are expected to confirm its potential for long-term immune tolerance and reduced risk of severe reactions.
Get certified to implement ILIT in your practice
Submit your application
Start by submitting your application to become an AILN member. We carefully review each submission to see if there’s a good fit. If it seems to be a match, we’ll schedule a call to learn more about your practice, answer your questions, and explore the next steps. If everything aligns, you'll be welcomed into the AILN. After completing contracting, we will finalize your training date and learning portal access.
Complete training and certification
Travel to Ohio for a full day, hands-on training session at our headquarters, where you’ll begin your journey toward ILIT proficiency. Our proprietary training process, along with ongoing support, ensures you’ll move from beginner to expert in no time. AILN is setting the standard for ILIT clinical competency.
Be the go-to allergy practice in town!
When you are providing ILIT and patients see the difference, they will become raving fans. Word will spread. Patients will feel better, you will feel better for providing innovative care that works, and your practice will be healthier.
