Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
03:40
Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Managing Allergic Rhinitis
Published on: December 20, 2024
Specific immunotherapy normalizes tryptophan concentrations in patients with allergic rhinitis
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology
|August 1, 2012
Summary
Booster immunotherapy for hay fever reduced tryptophan and kynurenine levels, suggesting a role for tryptophan metabolism in allergic responses. Further research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms involved.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Allergology
Background:
- Allergic asthma and rhinitis pathogenesis involve a shift towards Th2-type immunity.
- Previous studies indicated higher serum tryptophan in patients with seasonal pollen rhinoconjunctivitis, with higher levels correlating to poorer response to specific immunotherapy (SCIT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of 'booster immunotherapy' on tryptophan metabolism following the cessation of SCIT.
- To examine changes in serum tryptophan, kynurenine, and neopterin concentrations after booster immunotherapy in patients with allergic rhinitis.
Main Methods:
- Serum concentrations of tryptophan, kynurenine, and neopterin were measured in 19 patients with grass and/or tree pollen allergy.
- Measurements were taken before and after a booster immunotherapy course consisting of 4 allergoid vaccine injections over 8 months.
Main Results:
- Booster immunotherapy led to significant decreases in serum tryptophan and kynurenine concentrations (p < 0.01).
- Responders to immunotherapy tended to have lower baseline kynurenine levels compared to non-responders (p = 0.05).
- A correlation was observed between changes in tryptophan metabolism and neopterin concentrations post-immunotherapy.
Conclusions:
- The observed decrease in tryptophan and kynurenine supports the hypothesis that tryptophan metabolism is implicated in allergic responses.
- The precise role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and specific cytokine profiles in the abnormal tryptophan metabolism of pollinosis patients remains to be elucidated.
Related Concept Videos
02:06Allergic Reactions
Overview
01:30Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
01:27Allergic Drug Reactions
Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...