Regulatory T cell and cytokine changes in children undergoing 3 days rush venom immunotherapy.

Background: Rush venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the recommended treatment for patients with Hymenoptera anaphylaxis. Specific data regarding regulatory T cell and cytokine changes in children receiving rush VIT are sparse.

Objective: To study the changing of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) and serum cytokines in children undergoing 3 days rush VIT.

Methods: Children younger than 15 years with systemic reaction to Hymenoptera who had evidence of IgE sensitization to Hymenoptera were enrolled for 3 days rush VIT. Peripheral blood CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg and serum IL-4, IL5, IL-13, IFN-γ, and IL-10 were measured at baseline before rush VIT, achieving maintenance dose, 6 months, and 12 months after reaching maintenance dose. Specific IgE to Hymenoptera was measured at baseline and 12 months after VIT.

Results: A total of 15 children (11 boys and 4 girls) aged 6-15 years (mean age, 10 years) were enrolled. Four children were allergic to bee and 11 children were allergic to Vespid. The levels of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg were significantly increased at 6 months after maintenance dose compared with baseline (6.58% VS 4.01%, p = 0.001). Serum IL-13, IFN-γ, and IL-10 levels did not change significantly from baseline. However, there was a significant reduction of IL-4 in the serum at 12 months after MN when compared to the baseline levels. The systemic reaction requiring epinephrine intramuscular injection occurred only in 1 case who was on Vespid venoms rush VIT.

Conclusions: Three days rush VIT provide acceptable systemic reaction and able to increase the number of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg in children.