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Updated: Sep 16, 2025
Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Managing Allergic Rhinitis
Published on: December 20, 2024
Changes of autophagy related proteins during sublingual immunotherapy treatment in allergic rhinitis
Chunrui Wang1, Li Jiang1, Xiaowei Qin1
1Department of Otolaryngology, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects the nasal mucosa, causing significant quality of life impairments. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is effective in mitigating AR symptoms. Autophagy regulates immune responses and is implicated in AR. We aimed to investigate the impact of SLIT on autophagy-associated proteins and their relationship with Th1 and Th2 cytokines in AR patients.
Methods:
Sixty AR children were recruited. They underwent standardized SLIT with Der f extract. Efficacy was evaluated using combined symptom and medication score (CSMS). Blood samples were analyzed for autophagy-related proteins (ATG5, p62, Beclin-1, LC3I, LC3II) and Th1/Th2 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4).
Results:
After 3 years' SLIT, ATG5, LC3I, LC3II, and Beclin-1 expressions decreased, while p62 increased. Th1 cytokine expression increased, and Th2 cytokine expression decreased. The effective group showed greater changes in protein expression compared to the ineffective group. A positive correlation was found between autophagy-associated protein expression and Th2 cytokines.
Conclusion:
SLIT alters autophagy-related protein levels and reverses the Th1/Th2 balance in AR patients, suggesting autophagy-associated proteins as potential biomarkers for SLIT efficacy.
