Abstract
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by Th2 polarized immune response, such as increased IL-4 and reduced IFN-γ production. Sublingual allergen-specific immunotherapy (SLIT) induces several immunological changes, most of which are still little known. The aim of this study is firstly to investigate the changes of allergen-specific IgE, IgG, IgG4, and IgA serum levels after SLIT. Secondly, this study aims at relating immunoglobulin (Ig) values with some Th1-, Th2-, and Treg-dependent cytokines. Twenty-three patients with pollen-induced AR were enrolled, and they assumed two pre-seasonal SLIT courses for 2 years. Serum allergen-specific IgE, IgG, IgG4 and IgA levels were determined by ELISA method at baseline and after each SLIT course. Serum IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-10, and TGF-β levels were also assessed. Allergen-specific IgE, IgG, IgG4, and IgA serum levels significantly increased after SLIT. Serum TGF-β significantly increased after SLIT. There was a significant correlation between IgA and TGF-β, both after the first and the second SLIT course. In conclusion, the present study provides the first evidence that pollen SLIT significantly affects Ig production, mainly concerning IgA; and IgA increase is related with TGF-β production. Moreover, this is the first study that measured Ig classes by using a quantitative method.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1089-1096 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2009 |
Keywords
- Allergic rhinitis
- IFN-γ
- IgA
- IgE
- IgG
- IgG4
- IL-10
- Il-4
- Pollens
- Serum
- Sublingual immunotherapy
- TGF-β
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Immunology and Allergy