The trial is randomized prospective study to examine the effects of subcutaneous immunotherapy on the adaptive immune system. The trial includes 30 participants randomized to treatment or control group. The effect measures are changes in the basophil activity and biology as well as changes in plasma cells during and after treatment. Clinical outcome is assessed by QoL questionnaires and clinical testing. Hypotheses: * changes in plasma cells correlate to changes in immunoglobulins and effector cell responses * the reduction of inflammation due to SCIT has influence on the effector cell responses * changes in paraclinical measurements can be related to clinical findings
The investigators are recruiting 30 participants, which are randomized to receive SCIT (24) or no treatment (6) The following will be measured * the development of immunoglobulin response * plasma cells under updosing phase * changes in basophil activity under updosing and maintenance treatment * subtyping of allergic sensitization * clinical outcome and quality of life * changes in mast cells in the nasal mucosa * changes in the cell biology of the basophils
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
standard regimen of SCIT
a significant decrease in basophil activity during and after treatment
Time frame: every 3 weeks for 3 months, then 3 monthly for 3 years
reduction in high affinity IgE receptor density on basophils and mast cells
igE receptor density on basophils and mast cells from nasal mucosa
Time frame: at inclusion and at the end of study
clinical outcome: reduction in the reaction to allergen challenge tests (skin and nose), significant better outcome in quality of life questionnaires and symptom/medication scores
allergen challenging response
Time frame: once yearly for 4 years
a significant increase in the number of plasma cells during up dosing
Time frame: 5 times during the first 3 months of the study
a significant shift in specific immunoglobulins from IgE at start to IgG1 and IgG4 after treatment. allergen epitope specific IgE and IgG4
Time frame: every 3 months for 4 years
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