Soluble serum HLA-G and HLA-A, -B, -C molecules in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis exposed to pollens

Abstract

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by a Th2 polarized immune response and soluble HLA (sHLA) molecules play an immunomodulatory role in this response. Previously, it has been reported that these molecules are increased in sera of patients with pollen-induced allergic rhinitis studied outside the pollen season. To date, however, no study has investigated there in AR patients during the pollen season. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate serum sHLA-G and sHLA-A, -B, -C levels in both AR patients and healthy controls. Methods 60 symptomatic allergic patients were enrolled. A group of 50 healthy subjects was included as a control. Serum sHLA-G and sHLA-A, -B, -C levels were determined by an immunoenzymatic method. Allergy severity was assessed by VAS for symptoms and drug use. Results Allergic patients had significantly higher levels of both sHLA-G ( p < 0.001) and sHLA-A, -B, -C ( p = 0.001) than normal controls. In addition, there was a very strong correlation between sHLA-G levels and clinical severity. Conclusion The present study confirms evidence that serum sHLA-G and sHLA-A, -B, -C molecules are significantly increased in patients with pollen-induced AR also during the pollen season. Moreover, sHLA-G might be considered as a biomarker for assessing clinical severity.