Release of granzyme B (GzmB) from peripheral blood leukocytes in patients with hymenoptera venom allergy - effect of rush venom immunotherapy

Introduction. Granzyme B (GzmB) is mainly synthesized by cytotoxic T cells (CTL) and Natural Killer cells (NK), as well as by mast cells. Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to investigate granzyme B release from peripheral blood leukocytes in patients with hymenoptera venom allergy before and after ultra-rush immunotherapy. Material and methods. 9 patients allergic to wasp venom were recruited to the study, out of which 8 patients qualified for ultra-rush specific immunotherapy. Leukocytes were isolated from blood and stimulated with wasp venom allergen, bee venom allergen and fMLP. GzmB in supernatants after cell stimulation was determined by the immunoenzymatic method, ELISA. Results. One hour after clinical tolerance to the venom dose of 100 ae g / ml was induced during rush immunotherapy, more than a 50% decrease in GzmB release was observed (non-significant). Stimulation with wasp venom did not change the mean GzmB concentration in supernatants. However, in some patients remarkable enhancement of GzmB release was noticed after stimulation with bee venom allergen at the concentration of 1ug. Bee venom stimulation (non-specific allergen) increased the mean GzmB concentration both before and after immunotherapy. Conclusion. Granzyme B is released from peripheral blood leukocytes of patients with wasp venom allergy. Wasp venom and bee venom allergens may stimulate GzmB release in a non-specific way.