Preliminary clinical trial to explore predictive biomarkers of response to sublingual immunotherapy for Japanese cedar pollinosis

Abstract

Background: As part of the planning for a future multicenter study, this preliminary clinical trial was performed to explore candidate biomarkers useful for predicting the therapeutic effects of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCP) using serum samples from patients.

Methods: This prospective study included patients undergoing SLIT for JCP at our hospital. All enrolled patients (n = 17) started SLIT between June and November of 2015. With informed consent from the patients, in January, March, and June of 2016, blood samples were obtained, and an inquiry was conducted using the Japan rhino-conjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (JRQLQ). Based on the JRQLQ results, we allocated 6 patients with the most favorable results into the high response group (HRG), and 5 patients with the most unfavorable results into the poor response group (PRG). Subsequently, we compared the serum data between the two groups to identify useful biomarkers.

Results: The IL-12p70 and VEGF levels tended to be higher in the HRG than in the PRG in January, March and June (0.10 > p > 0.05). In addition, the IL-17 level was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the HRG than in the PRG only in June.

Conclusions: IL-12p70 and VEGF may be useful biomarkers for predicting the effects of SLIT. In addition, although it does not appear to be useful as a biomarker for evaluating treatment response at the start of SLIT, IL-17 may be useful as a biomarker after the beginning period of SLIT.