Peripheral effector memory regulatory T-cells are incremented and
functionally enhanced in successful mite monomeric allergoid sublingual
immunotherapy
Abstract
Background. Sublingual allergen immunotherapy (SLIT) is recognized as
both efficacious and safe, especially when using monomeric allergoids.
Its mechanism of action is based on the differentiation, activation, and
maturation of allergen-specific Regulatory T-cells (Tregs), fundamental
for the activation and maintenance of immune tolerance. Tregs,
originally identified as a subpopulation of Foxp3 expressing
CD4+CD25high T-cells; however, under inflammatory conditions, they are
conveniently identified by the surface antigen CD127 and are subtyped as
Resting, Activated and Effector Tregs by surface expression of CD45RA,
HLA-DR and CD39 that represent markers of differentiation status,
inhibitory and recall potential. Hence, in this study, circulating Tregs
were characterized in pediatric patients suffering from allergic
rhinitis (AR) treated by SLIT and to verify the possible correlation
between some Treg subsets with successful SLIT. Methods. Twenty children
suffering from mite AR and/or asthma were enrolled. AR severity was
assessed by evaluating ACT and ARIA scores at baseline and after
12-months of mite-SLIT. Treg analysis of PBMC pre- and post-SLIT, was
based on cytofluorimetric determination of total Tregs, as
CD4+CD25highCD39+CD127low/neg, further characterized for CD45RA, HLA-DR
and CD39 expression. Results. After SLIT, Resting Tregs were
significantly reduced whilst Activated/Effector Tregs CD45RAneg (memory
Tregs) resulted increased; moreover, CD39 and HLA-DR expression on Tregs
was significantly increased. Notably, the intensity of HLA-DR expression
on Tregs positively correlated with the improvement of the clinical
scores. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that effective SLIT is
associated with re-patterning of the differentiation status of Tregs,
particularly with the generation of allergen-specific memory effector
Tregs.