Nasal allergen-neutralizing IgG4 antibodies block IgE-mediated responses: Novel biomarker of subcutaneous grass pollen immunotherapy

Grass pollen subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is associated with induction of serum IgG4-associated inhibitory antibodies that prevent IgE-facilitated allergen binding to B cells. We sought to determine whether SCIT induces nasal allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies with inhibitory activity that correlates closely with clinical response. In a cross-sectional controlled study, nasal fluid and sera were collected during the grass pollen season from 10 SCIT-treated patients, 13 untreated allergic patients (with seasonal allergic rhinitis [SAR]), and 12 nonatopic control subjects. Nasal and serum IgE and IgG4 levels to Phleum pratense components were measured by using the Immuno Solid Allergen Chip microarray. Inhibitory activity was measured by IgE-facilitated allergen binding assay. IL-10+ regulatory B cells were quantified in peripheral blood by using flow cytometry. Nasal and serum Phl p 1– and Phl p 5–specific IgE levels were increased in patients with SAR compared to nonatopic control subjects (all, P