[Effect of specific immunotherapy on peripheral T-lymphocytes in atopic patients]

Specific hyposensitising therapy for IgE mediated respiratory allergopathies is recognised as an effective therapy able to improve clinical symptoms and bronchial hyperreactivity. IgE synthesis, which is altered in atopic subjects, is regulated by CD4 and partly CD8 lymphocytes. This paper examines the changes in the main T lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood in 10 atopic subjects undergoing specific immunotherapy. The results highlight a significant reduction (p = 0.028) in mean CD4 levels after 6.3 months of treatment. Changes in the other T lymphocyte components and total IgE serum levels were not significant.