Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus immunotherapy changes the T-regulatory cell activity

Subcutaneous specific immunotherapy (SCIT) has been shown to modify the Dermatophagoides pteronissinus (DP) allergic response, characterized by generation of Treg cells. However, studies have reported no changes in the proportion of Treg cells after immunotherapy, indicating that the effects may be due to modifications in their regulatory activities. We aimed to determine whether Tregs generated by DP-SCIT can switch the allergic response to tolerant and study the involvement of suppressive cytokines on it. Twenty-four DP-allergic rhinitis patients were recruited, 16 treated with DP-SCIT and 8 untreated. Treg and T effector cells were isolated before and after DP-SCIT, and cocultured in different combinations with α-IL-10, α-TGF-β blocking antibodies and nDer p 1. Treg cells after DP-SCIT increased Th1 and decreased Th2 and Th9 proliferation. Similarly, they increased IL-10 and decreased IL-4 and IL-9-producing cells. α-IL-10 affected the activity of Treg cells obtained after DP-SCIT only. Finally, DP-specific IgG4 levels, Treg percentage and IL-10 production were correlated after DP-SCIT. These results demonstrate that DP-SCIT induces Treg cells with different suppressive activities. These changes could be mediated by IL-10 production and appear to play an important role in the induction of the tolerance response leading to a clinical improvement of symptoms.