Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, ingestion and digestion in Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus-sensitive...

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) is, for unknown reasons, the commonest cause of asthma attacks in children suffering from reaginic bronchial asthma. The underlying immune disorder is also unclear. The authors analyzed phagocytosis (ingestion), digestion and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of peripheral blood leukocytes in 20 asthmatic children hypersensitive to DP, aged 2 to 14 years. The tests were performed while the children were entirely asymptomatic and under no therapy. The aim was to determine the possible difference in comparison to healthy children and to assess the correlation of these results with the total serum IgE level, DP-specific IgE and duration of the disease. Ingestion in asthmatics did not differ significantly from that in controls, while digestion and ADCC were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in asthmatics. This phenomenon could contribute to their difficulties in the elimination of allergens, immune complexes and microbial, particularly viral antigens, making them more susceptible to allergic reaction and infections. No significant correlation to the total serum IgE level, DP-specific IgE and duration of the disease was found.