Wang, C RLiu, S TLiu, M FLee, G LWang, G RChuang, C Y2009-05-272009-05-271999-12-04Wang CR, Liu ST, Liu MF, Lee GL, Wang GR, Chuang CY. The effect of allergen immunotherapy on in vitro IL-4 and IFN-gamma production by peripheral mononuclear cells in house dust-sensitive Chinese patients with bronchial asthma. Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology. 1999 Dec; 17(4): 249-54http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/36791Published by the Allergy and Immunology Society of Thailand.The IFN-gamma produced by Th1 cells and IL-4 produced by Th2 cells are two most important cytokines in the regulation of IgE production. House dust immunotherapy has been tried in the treatment of house dust-sensitive Chinese asthmatic patients with good results. We examined the influence of such treatment on in vitro IL-4 and IFN-gamma production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in house dust-sensitive asthmatic patients. Allergen immunotherapy in house-dust sensitive asthmatic patients can significantly decrease IL-4 production from peripheral mononuclear cells (p<0.05). The production levels of IL-4 in patients without treatment had higher levels than those in patients with hyposensitization (p<0.01). Such therapy also have some effect on promotion of IFN-gamma production in asthmatic patients. In conclusion, immunotherapy with house dust may have the potential ability to shift the Th1/Th2 balance of immune response to allergens and to create a favorable cytokine microenvironment to suppress the allergic reaction in the asthmatic airway.engAdolescentAdultAllergens --therapeutic useAsthma --etiologyCells, CulturedDesensitization, ImmunologicDust --adverse effectsEnzyme-Linked Immunosorbent AssayFemaleHumansInterferon-gamma --analysisInterleukin-4 --analysisLeukocytes, Mononuclear --immunologyMaleMiddle AgedComparative Study