Sublingual immunotherapy provides an early increase of interferon-gamma production.
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.
Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino and DIMI-CEBR, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy. gio.cip@libero.it
G
G
Ciprandi
D
D
Fenoglio
M
M
Di Gioacchino
A
A
Ferrera
F
F
Ferrera
M P
MP
Sormani
G L
GL
Marseglia
D000286:Administration, Sublingual; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007371:Interferon-gamma