Sublingual immunotherapy provides an early increase of interferon-gamma production
Ciprandi, G.; Fenoglio, D.; Di Gioacchino, M.; Ferrera, A.; Ferrera, F.; Sormani, M.P.; Marseglia, G.L.
Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents 22(3): 169-173
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0393-974X PMID: 18842170 Document Number: 619112
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by Th2 polarized immune response. Allergen-specific subcutaneous immunotherapy may restore a physiologic Th1 profile. However, there are few studies investigating the immunological effects of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). The aim of this study is to investigate whether a pre-seasonal SLIT course could affect IFN-gamma production. Forty-four AR patients with pollen allergy assumed pre-seasonal SLIT for 3 months. IFN-gamma-specific producing cells were assessed by cytokine ELISPOT before and 3 months after the beginning of SLIT. Visual analogue scale (VAS) for symptoms and medication score was also evaluated. The frequency of IFN-gamma-specific producing cells significantly increased after SLIT (p<0.01), and this increase was significantly associated with improvement of both symptoms (p<0.001) and medication use (p<0.01). In conclusion, these results may be considered clinically relevant as SLIT treatment may induce a quick IFN- gamma response that is related to clinical improvement.