Introduction: The literature describes the influence of venom immunotherapy (VIT) on the subpopulation of T regulatory cells (CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+) and the synthesis of IL-10, TGF-β1 as well as many other cytokines at various times after immunotherapy.
Aim: To assess changes in the percentage of cells of CD4+ and CD25+ in peripheral blood and serum concentrations of IL-10, IL-21 and TGF-β1 in the early stages of VIT.
Material and methods: The study included 18 patients who were allergic to wasp venom and who in the past underwent systemic anaphylactic reaction after stinging, meeting the criteria to qualify for VIT. The immunoenzymatic method (ELISA) was used to assess concentrations of cytokines IL-10, IL-21 and TGF-β1 and the surface antigens CD4 and CD25 on the cells. The concentrations were determined by flow cytometry method at baseline (before VIT) and after 2.5 and 24 h from the VIT starting point.
Results: The mean values of the activity of T lymphocytes CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ and concentrations of the cytokines IL-10, IL-21 and TGF-β1 are shown in table.
Conclusions: A 24-hour activation assessment of serum concentrations of cytokines IL-10, IL-21 and TGF-β1 during the first day of the Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy by ultra-rush protocol does not show the significant dynamics of change of the examined parameters.
Keywords: Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy; cytokines; regulatory cells.