Time-dependent cytokines changes in ultra-rush wasp venom immunotherapy

Abstract

Venom immunotherapy (VIT) represents a potential therapeutic approach for the management of venom allergies, aiming to modify the immune response to venom allergens and enhance its precision. Previous studies have demonstrated that VIT induces a shift in T helper cell responses from Th2 to Th1, characterized by the production of IL-2 and interferon-gamma by CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells. In order to explore long-term pathways following VIT treatment and verify potential new outcomes, the serum concentrations of 30 cytokines were assessed in a cohort of 61 patients (18 control, 43 study group) exhibiting hypersensitivity to wasp venom. Cytokine levels were measured at 0, 2, 6, and 24 weeks after the initiation phase of VIT in the study group. The present study found no significant alterations in the levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in the peripheral blood following VIT. However, a noteworthy finding was the substantial increase in the concentration of IL-12, a cytokine capable of promoting the differentiation of Th0 cells into Th1 cells. This observation supports the involvement of the Th1 pathway in the desensitization process induced by VIT. Additionally, the study revealed a significant rise in the levels of IL-9 and TGF-β after VIT. These cytokines may play a role in the generation of inducible regulatory T (Treg) cells, indicating their potential importance in the immune response to venom allergens and the desensitization process associated with VIT. Nevertheless, further investigations are required to comprehend the underlying mechanisms driving the VIT process comprehensively.

Figure 1

The serum concentration of Th1-related cytokines and chemokines. Blood was collected at day 0 (control and examined group) and after 2, 6, and 24 weeks of VIT (examined group only). Results are presented as mean ± SD. *Level of difference.

Figure 2

The serum concentration of Th2-related cytokines and chemokines. Blood was collected at day 0 (control and examined group) and 2, 6, and 24 weeks after VIT (examined group only). Results are presented as mean ± SD. *Level of difference.

Figure 3

The serum concentration of Th9-related cytokines and chemokines. Blood was collected at day 0 (control and examined group) and 2, 6, and 24 weeks after desensitization (examined group only). Results are presented as mean ± SD. *Level of difference.

Figure 4

The serum concentration of Th17-related cytokines and chemokines. Blood was collected at day 0 (control and examined group) and 2, 6, and 24 weeks after VIT (examined group only). Results are presented as mean ± SD. *Level of difference.

Figure 5

The serum concentration of Treg-related cytokines and chemokines. Blood was collected at day 0 (control and examined group) and 2, 6, and 24 weeks after VIT (examined group only). Results are presented as mean ± SD. *Level of difference.

Figure 6

The serum concentration of selected growth factors. Blood was collected at day 0 (control and examined group) and 2, 6, and 24 weeks after VIT (examined group only). Results are presented as mean ± SD. *Level of difference.