IgE reactivity to latex allergens among sensitized healthcare workers before and after immunotherapy with latex.
BACKGROUND
New IgE sensitizations to proteins in allergen extracts have been shown to occur during allergen-specific immunotherapy (IT).


METHODS
Twenty-four healthcare workers (HCWs) -- patients included in a latex IT study -- were analysed, 16 in active treatment and eight in placebo. Sera were obtained at baseline and after 6 months of IT and analysed with immunoblotting and CAP System with eight single recombinant latex allergens (rHev b 1, 3, 5, 6.01, 8, 9, 10, 11, and a mix of rHev b1, 5, 6.01 and 8).


RESULTS
After IT with latex, three patients in the active treatment group had new IgE sensitizations, one to Hev b 5, one to Hev b 11 and another to Hev b 6.01. No other significant variation in mean of specific IgE to latex or recombinant allergens were observed in patients who received placebo or active treatment. A significant (P = 0.012) negative correlation (-0.72) was observed between maximal tolerated dose and specific IgE to Hev b 6.01 at baseline. After IT, immunoblot analysis demonstrated a significant increase in IgE binding in a band of approximately 22 kDa (P = 0.032) that may correspond to Hev b 6.01. New or more intense bands appeared in seven patients of the active group, while in three subjects a reduction was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Hev b 6.01 seems to be the most relevant latex allergen in HCWs. New or more intense IgE binding to latex allergenic components occurs during latex immunotherapy. However, the levels of specific IgE against these new components are low and do not seem to have clinical relevance.
Sastre
J
J
Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Servicio de Alergia, Madrid, Spain.
Raulf-Heimsoth
M
M
Rihs
H-P
HP
Fernández-Nieto
M
M
Barber
D
D
Lombardero
M
M
Martín
S
S
Quirce
S
S
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*
D000485:Allergens; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007073:Immunoglobulin E