Background: Although IL-33/ST2 axis is involved in the development of allergic diseases, its contribution in food allergy is still unknown.
Methods: In this study, we assessed the serum levels of IL-33 and its s-ST2 receptor in 53 control patients (without allergic diseases), 47 peach (Pru p 3)-sensitized allergic patients (SAP), and in 68 non-Pru p 3-SAP. Basophil activation test (BAT) was used to assess the basophil activation due to allergen exposure before and after the addition of s-ST2 to the blood samples from 5 Pru p 3-SAP.
Results: IL-33 levels in Pru p 3-SAP were higher than in non-Pru p 3-SAP and in normal controls. Lower s-ST2 levels were found in Pru p 3-SAP than in non-Pru p 3-SAP. IL-33/s-ST2 ratio was higher in Pru p 3-SAP than in both non-Pru p 3-SAP and controls. Higher IL-33/s-ST2 ratio was observed in Pru p 3-SAP with severe than in those with mild systemic symptoms. BAT analysis in Pru p 3-SAP showed a decrease in basophil activation due to Pru p 3 exposure after the addition of s-ST2 to the blood samples.
Conclusions: An imbalance in the baseline levels of IL-33/ST2 pathway is present in Pru p 3-SAP. The measurement of this pathway might be helpful to detect patients at a higher risk of developing severe systemic symptoms.
Keywords: Anaphylaxis; Basophil activation test; Food allergy; IL-33 receptor; Non-specific lipid-transfer protein; Panallergens; Peach allergy; sIgE to Pru p 3; sST2.