The Functional IgE-Blocking Factor Induced by Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy Correlates with IgG4 Antibodies and a...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• No validated biomarkers currently exist to predict clinical efficacy of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT).
• Investigating correlations between clinical and immunological responses in patients undergoing house dust mite (HDM) AIT is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between clinical outcomes and immunological markers in children receiving HDM AIT.
• To identify potential biomarkers for predicting AIT efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-nine children with HDM allergic rhinitis/asthma received 12 months of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) subcutaneous AIT.
• Clinical symptom and medication scores were tracked, alongside measurements of Dp-specific IgE, IgG4, and IgE-blocking factor at baseline, 4, and 12 months.
• A control group of 20 HDM-allergic children was included for comparison.

Main Results:

• AIT led to decreased symptom scores after 4 and 12 months, with no significant change in medication scores compared to controls.
• Levels of Dp IgG4 and Dp IgE-blocking factor increased after 4 months of AIT.
• Increased Dp IgE-blocking factor and Dp IgG4 correlated with reduced symptom scores at 12 months. Higher IgE-blocking factor at 4 months predicted lower symptom scores at 12 months.

Conclusions:

• Subcutaneous HDM AIT effectively reduces allergic symptoms in children.
• Increased IgE-blocking activity early in AIT correlates with clinical symptom improvement.
• Early elevation of IgE-blocking factor may serve as a predictive biomarker for sustained AIT efficacy.