The effect of specific Hymenoptera VIT using the ultra-rush method on immunoregulatory properties of T and B Lymphocytes, histamine, tryptase and serum cytokine concentrations

Background: The emergence of tolerance during Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (VIT) is a complex process. The main goal of VIT is to induce a change from proinflammatory Th2 response to the Th1 response. The immune mechanism of acquiring rapid tolerance during VIT has not yet been fully understood. Methods: We have analyzed (in 4 time points: 0, 2, 6 and 24 weeks after treatment) concentration of 30 cytokines and chemokines in serum using Luminex system, complement system, lymphocyte subpopulations (flow cytometry), and histamine and tryptase serum concentrations of 40 patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy (III and IV Muller grade) classified to ultra-rush treatment and 40 volunteers as control group (CG). Results: We have found that VIT influences the immune system by inducing changes in the complement system, cytokine secretion, histamine and tryptase concentration, and lymphocyte subpopulations. The study group (SG) at time 0 has higher percentage of T and B cells compared to the CG. The SG at time 0 is characterized by a decreased percentage of neutrophils. VIT decreased C3, C4, C5 concentration in the SG. The SG is also characterized by decreased IL-4 and MCP-1 concentrations. Patients with venom allergy have a higher percentage of CD3+ CD4+ T cells compared to the CG. VIT leads to normalization of the number of these cells 2 weeks after the first dose. The decreased concentrations of G-CSF and TGF-beta2 in patients at time 0 has normalized in two weeks after treatment. Conclusions: Preliminary test results suggest that VIT has immunoregulatory properties influencing G-CSF, TGF-beta2 concentration, and CD3+ CD4+ helper T cells percentage.