Induction of IgG2 and IgG4 B-cell memory following sublingual immunotherapy for ryegrass pollen allergy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: While treatment for atopic rhinitis is aimed mostly to relieve symptoms, only allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is targeted to modify the natural history of allergic diseases. This results in sustained clinical tolerance, even when treatment has stopped. The immunomodulatory effects of AIT are attributed mainly to increased regulatory T-cell function and increased allergen-specific IgG4 , yet little is known about the effect on the memory B-cell compartment. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the effects of AIT on the IgE- and IgG subclass-expressing memory B cells. METHODS: We recruited 29 patients with atopic seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis and performed a longitudinal analysis of..