title: Polydesensitisation with reducing elevated serum total IgE by IFN-gamma therapy in atopic dermatitis: IFN-gamma and polydesensitisation (PDS).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  AD patients exhibit sensitisation to multiple allergens due to a Th1/Th2 imbalance. Until now, it was impossible to improve the polysensitised status and elevated serum total IgE levels. In this study, the effects of IFN-gamma on systemic polysensitisation to multiple allergens and on serum total IgE levels are investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 44 AD patients whose food allergies were completely controlled and who were polysensitised to multiple allergens according to the SPT were selected. Twenty-two of these patients received IFN-gamma therapy twice a week for 2 months, and 22 patients did not receive this therapy. The blood eosinophil % and serum total IgE levels were assessed, and a skin prick test for 51 allergens was performed before and after the IFN-gamma therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With IFN-gamma therapy, the polysensitisation status was improved, as demonstrated by a decrease in the positive allergen count and skin reactivity (systemic polydesensitisation). The improvement in the polysensitised status was accompanied by a decrease in serum total IgE levels. The change in serum total IgE levels was significantly correlated with the change in polysensitisation status.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  IFN-gamma therapy resulted in systemic polydesensitisation with reduced levels of serum total IgE. IFN-gamma is indicated in AD patients with high serum total IgE levels whose food allergies are well controlled and who are polysensitised to multiple allergens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Chungnam National University, Dajeon, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jae Ho
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Geunwoong
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Noh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology; D012882:Skin Tests; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D007371:Interferon-gamma
keywords: AD; Atopic dermatitis; Df; Dp; IFN-gamma; IFN-γ; PDS; Polydesensitisation; SPT; Serum total IgE; atopic dermatitis; dermatophagoides farinae; dermatophagoides pteronyssinus; interferon-gamma; polydesensitisation; skin prick test