Immunologic changes during immunotherapy in asthmatic children: increased IL-13 and allergen-specific IgG4 antibody levels.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic diseases has increased in recent years. Immunotherapy with allergens is a treatment documented to have an effect on regulating cytokine production and allergen-specific antibody production.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to further investigate immunologic changes during immunotherapy and to explore the possible more efficient approach of immunotherapy.

METHODS

Asthmatic children receiving house dust mite immunotherapy were followed to learn immunologic parameters such as allergen-specific antibody levels, proliferative response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and cytokine change during immunotherapy.

RESULTS

The data suggested (1) IgG4 anti-mite antibody increased 8 months after immunotherapy while IgE antibody level remained the same; (2) allergen-induced, in vitro production of certain cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-10 decreased after immunotherapy; (3) IL-13 (which can induce IgG4 and IgE antibody production by B cells) increased after immunotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Although this needs more study, IL-13 might play an important role in the generation of IgG4-blocking antibody during immunotherapy.