Increasing time interval and decreasing allergen dose interval improves ex vivo desensitization of human blood basophils.

Background: Desensitization is a method for inducing temporary tolerance to allergen. The mechanism underlying desensitization is yet to be established.

Methods: Basophil granulocytes in whole blood from grass pollen allergic subjects were desensitized ex vivo by sequential addition of increasing allergen concentrations.