Exploring the association between interleukin-27 and Dermatophagoides-specific IgE responses in children with...

House dust mite (HDM) allergy is a common cause of allergic rhinitis (AR) and allergic asthma (AA). Interleukin-27 (IL-27) is known to suppress Th2-mediated inflammation, a key driver of these diseases. This study aimed to assess regional sensitization to Dermatophagoides subspecies and to investigate the association between HDM-specific IgE responses and serum IL-27 levels.

Fifty-eight children with HDM allergy were evaluated, of whom 53 were sensitized to D. Pteronyssinus. Serum Der p 1/Der p 2 specific IgE (sIgE) (FEIA) and IL-27, IL-5, and IL-13 levels (ELISA) were measured. Twenty-five healthy children served as controls.

Among patients (43% AR, 57% AA), Der p 1 and Der p 2 sensitization rates were 49% and 55%, respectively. Both Der p 1/Der p 2 sIgE levels were significantly elevated compared to controls (p < 0.001). Although IL-27 levels were lower in patients, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.98). However, IL-27 showed positive correlations with IL-5, IL-13, and Der p 1 sIgE (all p < 0.05). IL-27 levels were unexpectedly higher in Der p 1-sensitized patients (p = 0.006), particularly in AR (p = 0.02; r = 0.43), but not in AA.

This is the first clinical study to investigate the relationship between IL-27 and HDM-sIgE in children and to demonstrate a phenotype-specific interaction. IL-27 may act as a context-dependent immunomodulator rather than a simple Th2 suppressor. The positive correlation between IL-27 and Der p 1 sIgE in AR patients may indicate a compensatory feedback mechanism triggered by allergen-specific inflammation.