Impact of immunotherapy with autologous activated T-lymphocytes on clinical parameters and quality of life in patients with allergic bronchial asthma

Abstract

Aim. To assess the impact of autologous activated T-lymphocyte immunotherapy on clinical parameters and quality of life in patients with allergic bronchial asthma (BA) in comparison with patients with allergic BA who received standard therapy.Materials and methods. A non-randomized, pilot study included 19 patients with allergic BA of moderate severity (7 men and 12 women aged 23–61 years, average age – 38.5 ± 4.3 years) who received the T-cell vaccine (n = 12) and standard therapy with inhaled glucocorticoids, short- and long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists (n = 7). After signing an informed consent, the patients were subcutaneously injected with autologous activated T-lymphocytes with a frequency of 4 injections 1 time / week, and then 6 injections 1 time / month. The research methods included asthma control measurement according to the ACQ-5 questionnaire and quality of life assessment according to the AQLQ(S) questionnaire. Clinical data were collected during lung function tests and by measuring the total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level.Results. In the course of the study, the immunotherapy was well tolerated, no systemic adverse reactions were noted. The treatment approach in the patients who received the T-cell vaccine resulted in significant improvement of asthma control parameters (according to the ACQ-5 questionnaire) and parameters of the patients’ quality of life (according to the AQLQ(S) questionnaire) within all 4 categories. Besides, their lung function improved by the end of treatment, and the total IgE level decreased. No significant changes in these parameters were observed during the follow-up in patients who received standard therapy. The study was conducted before immunotherapy, after 2 months (after 5 injections), and after 7 months (after 10 injections).Conclusion. Evaluation of the impact of immunotherapy with autologous activated T-lymphocytes on the clinical parameters and quality of life in patients with BA indicates effectiveness of treatment in patients with allergic BA.