Serum Cytokine Interactions Are Implicated in the Mechanism of Action of Sublingual Immunotherapy for Japanese Cedar Pollinosis

A Novel Strategy for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: Regulating Treg/Th17 and Th1/Th2 Balance In Vivo by Vitamin D

Objective

This prospective study is aimed at observing the number of nasal itching and sneezing in rats from the macroscopic level and examine the pathological changes of nasal mucosa, Th1 and Th2-related cytokines, and Treg/Th17 by vitamin D3 administration from the microscopic level, in order to explore the role of vitamin D in allergic rhinitis and to provide theoretical guidance for prevention and treatment.

Results

There were significant differences in nasal itching and sneezing between the administration groups and the positive groups. Meanwhile, the level of Th1 and Treg in the administration groups increased, while the level of Th2 and Th17 decreased, indicating that the balance of Th1/Th2 was corrected. Our study revealed that vitamin D3 has preventive and therapeutic effects on allergic rhinitis, which provides theoretical guidance for practical application.

Preliminary Clinical Trial of Biomarkers to Predict Response to Sublingual Immunotherapy for Japanese Cedar Pollinosis

BACKGROUND

As part of the planning for a future multicenter study, this preliminary clinical trial used serum samples from patients to identify biomarkers for predicting the therapeutic effects of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCP).

METHODS

This prospective study included patients undergoing SLIT for JCP at our hospital. All enrolled patients (N = 17) started SLIT between June and November of 2015. With informed consent from the patients, blood samples were obtained in January, March, and June of 2016, and patients completed the Japan rhino-conjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (JRQLQ). On the basis of the JRQLQ results, the 6 patients with the best outcomes were included in the high-response group (HRG), and the 5 patients with the worst outcomes were included in the poor-response group (PRG). We then compared serum data between the two groups, to identify useful biomarkers.

RESULTS

IL-12p70 and VEGF levels tended to be higher in the HRG than in the PRG in January, March, and June (0.10 > p > 0.05). In addition, the June IL-17 level was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the HRG than in the PRG.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-12p70 and VEGF may be useful biomarkers for predicting the effects of SLIT. In addition, although IL-17 does not appear to be useful as a biomarker for evaluating treatment response at the start of SLIT, it may be useful as a biomarker after the beginning phase of SLIT.