IL-21 expression during sublingual immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis
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Updated: May 26, 2026
Sublingual Immunotherapy as an Alternative to Induce Protection Against Acute Respiratory Infections
Published on: August 30, 2014
Chunrui Wang1, Xiaowei Qin1, Li Jiang1
1Department of Otolaryngology, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, The People's Republic of China.
Background:
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disorder involving immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated immune response. Interleukin (IL)-21 IL-21 can regulate immune cell functions and IgE production. We aimed to explore the modulation of IL-21 expression before and after sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in AR patients and its correlation with IgE and Th2 cytokines.
Methods:
Fifty AR patients were enrolled and treated with HDM allergen extract via SLIT. Serum levels of IL-21 and Th2 cytokines as well as IgE were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was performed to compare changes in cytokine levels and assess correlations.
Results:
After 3 years of SLIT, serum levels of IL-21, Th2 cytokines and IgE were significantly reduced. Greater decreases were found in the effective treatment group compared to the ineffective group. The expression of IL-21 was correlated to IL-4 and IgE levels.
Conclusion:
SLIT downregulates the expression of IL-21 and other Th2 cytokines, with IL-21 potentially serving as a biomarker for SLIT efficacy in AR patients.
