Immunological response to immunotherapy for immediate hypersensitivity: clinical relevance

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Immunotherapy Research
• Clinical Allergy

Background:

• Immunotherapy (desensitization) is a recognized treatment for allergic rhinitis, insect sting hypersensitivity, and allergic asthma.
• The mechanism involves administering increasing doses of allergens to modulate the immune system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the immunological changes induced by immunotherapy.
• To explore the clinical relevance and potential biomarkers for assessing immunotherapy response.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of humoral immune responses (IgG, IgE, anti-idiotype antibodies).
• Assessment of cellular immune responses (lymphocyte proliferation, suppressor cell activity).
• Measurement of basophil histamine release and allergen-specific IgE levels.

Main Results:

• Immunotherapy increases specific IgG and anti-idiotype antibody titers.
• It decreases specific IgE levels and blunts seasonal rises, alongside reduced lymphocyte responsiveness.
• Suppressor cells are generated, inhibiting IgE production, and basophil sensitivity to allergens decreases.

Conclusions:

• Immunotherapy induces significant immunological shifts, including humoral and cellular changes.
• Current immunological markers are not definitive for individual patient response assessment.
• The IgG to IgE ratio shows potential as a clinical response indicator, but further research is needed.