Interleukin ELISPOT assay for evaluation of specific sublingual immunotherapy in allergy

Allergies are accompanied by a particular T helper (Th)2-prone interleukin pattern in lymphocytes. ELISPOT allows the detection of every single, interleukin-producing cell. We aimed to analyze the number of Th1 or Th2 interleukin-producing cells in healthy children and in those with allergies before and during sublingual immunotherapy. A further aim was to determine whether ELISPOT could be a potential method for this analysis. After nonspecific stimulation, the number of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5-producing cells was significantly higher in allergic individuals than in healthy controls. Values from treated patients were intermediate. We conclude that ELISPOT is an appropriate method for studying interleukin profiles in allergy.