A one-year efficacy assessment of subcutaneous immunotherapy in dust mite allergic rhinitis patients based on clinical symptoms and objective biomarkers

Objective

To evaluate the 1-year efficacy of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) in treating dust mite-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) and establish objective biomarkers for efficacy monitoring.

Methods

Fifty-nine AR patients underwent 1-year SCIT. Subjective symptoms were assessed via total nasal symptom score (TNSS), combined symptom/medication score (CSMS), and mini rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (MiniRQLQ). Serum total immunoglobulin E (tIgE), Dermatophagoides species-specific IgE (Der p-sIgE), and component-specific IgE (Der p1/2/10/23) were measured. IgE-facilitated allergen binding (IgE-FAB) assay evaluated blocking antibody activity.

Results

The mean TNSS, CSMS, and MiniRQLQ scores were significantly reduced by 28.60% (p < 0.001), 28.60% (p = 0.006), and 24.30% (p < 0.001) respectively after 1 year of SCIT treatment. SCIT treatment significantly elevated serum tIgE and Der p sIgE levels (p < 0.001), with a pronounced increase in component-specific IgE positivity for Der p1 and Der p23 (p < 0.001). The IgE-FAB assay demonstrated that the average suppression of IgE-allergen binding in serum by 1-year SCIT was 4.48% (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

SCIT markedly reduces subjective symptoms in patients with dust mite AR over a 1-year treatment period. Component-sIgE levels and IgE-FAB inhibition could function as objective biomarkers for assessing immunotherapy efficacy, thus facilitating tailored clinical interventions.