HLA-II genes are associated with outcomes of specific immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND

Although the precise mechanisms underlying the efficacy of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) are not clear, some evidence suggests that this may be linked to polymorphisms in HLA-II gene. We aimed to investigate the correlation between HLA-II gene polymorphisms and house dust mite (HDM)-specific immunotherapy efficacy, and evaluate specific polymorphisms as potential biomarkers in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients who would benefit most from AIT.

METHODS

Fifty-one Han Chinese patients with AR receiving HDM AIT were recruited. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood samples and genotyped for HLA-DRB1 and HAL-DQB1 alleles using the polymerase chain reaction sequence-based genotyping method. Nasal and eye symptoms were investigated based on visual analogue scale and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life.

RESULTS

Allele DRB104:06; DRB114:05 showed a positive correlation with improvements in nasal blockage, nasal itching, eye itching, and activities. Similarly, DQB103:02:01; DQB105:03: 01 was positively correlated with improvements in nose blocking, nasal itching, eye itching, behavioral problems, and nasal symptoms scores; and DRB103:01; DRB104:06 positively correlated with nasal symptoms scores. In contrast, DRB107:01:01; DRB111:01 was negatively correlated with non-pollen symptoms, behavioral problems, and nasal symptoms.

CONCLUSION

HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 gene polymorphism are associated with AIT efficacy in HDM-sensitive Chinese patients with AR, of which DRB103:01; DRB104:06 and DQB103:02:01; DQB105:03:01 may be useful biomarkers of AR patient candidacy for effective AIT.