Persistent regulatory T-cell response 2 years after 3 years of grass tablet SLIT: Links to reduced eosinophil counts, sIgE levels, and clinical benefit.

Background: In the first 2 years of grass tablet sublingual immunotherapy treatment, we have previously demonstrated a progressive development of a regulatory T-cell response, which was preceded by an early decrease in the frequency of both IL-4+ cells and sIgE levels. A progressive increase in sIgG levels and FAB blockage were also found.

Methods: By monitoring immunological kinetics during 3 years of active treatment + 2 years of follow-up, we aimed to identify key immunological parameters that could explain sustained clinical benefit of grass tablet sublingual immunotherapy.

Influence of profilin on sensitisation profiles determined by cutaneous tests and IgE to major allergens in polysensitised patients.

Background: Profilin sensitisation is considered a diagnostic confounding factor in areas where patients are exposed to multiple pollens. The aim of this study is to assess pollen sensitisation profiles in adults and children and to evaluate, by means of component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) and skin prick testing (SPT), which pollens may be considered as risk factors of profilin sensitisation in order to establish the best diagnostic approach in polysensitised patients.

Methods: A total of 231 pollen-allergic patients (adults and children) were included, out of the pollen season, from an area with similar levels of pollen exposure.

Grass tablet sublingual immunotherapy downregulates the TH2 cytokine response followed by regulatory T-cell generation.

Background: Sublingual administration of Phleum pratense allergen immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets is a clinically efficient treatment for grass pollen-induced rhinoconjunctivitis. This immunotherapy downregulates TH2 immune responses, induces tolerogenic pathways, and increases regulatory T cells. However, associated immune response markers of allergen desensitization remain undefined.

Assessing allergen levels in peach and nectarine cultivars.

Background: The lipid transfer protein Pru p 3 has been identified as a major peach fruit allergen. However, the putative peach member of the Bet v 1 family, Pru p 1, has been neither identified nor characterized.

Objectives: To determine the distribution and solubility properties of the main peach allergens and to quantify Pru p 3 and Pru p 1 levels in peach and nectarine cultivars.