Correlation between lymphocyte responses and immediate hypersensitivity to purified allergens

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergy Research
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Allergic sensitivity to environmental aeroallergens like pollens is a significant health concern.
• Understanding the immune response to specific pollen antigens is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
• Ragweed and grass pollens are common triggers for allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between immediate hypersensitivity reactions and in vitro lymphocyte responses to specific pollen antigens.
• To compare these correlations across different ragweed antigens (E, Ra5) and rye grass group 1.
• To explore the relationship between lymphocyte response, total serum IgE levels, and delayed hypersensitivity reactions.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-nine subjects with high allergic sensitivity were recruited.
• Intradermal skin testing and in vitro histamine release assays were used to measure immediate sensitivities.
• Lymphocyte proliferation assays (3H-thymidine incorporation) were performed in the presence of antigens.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations were found between skin-test/histamine release sensitivities and lymphocyte responses for ragweed antigen E.
• No significant correlations were observed for rye grass group 1 and ragweed antigen Ra5.
• Lymphocyte response to antigen E correlated significantly with total serum IgE levels.
• Six subjects sensitive to antigen E showed delayed reactions to Ra5, with positive lymphocyte responses, despite lacking immediate reactions.

Conclusions:

• Immediate hypersensitivity and lymphocyte proliferation are significantly correlated for ragweed antigen E in allergic individuals.
• Lymphocyte responses can be indicative of sensitization even in the absence of immediate skin or histamine release reactions.
• The study highlights the potential for lymphocyte responses and delayed reactions to antigens, even without detectable IgG antibodies or immediate sensitivity.