Heterogeneity of atopy demonstrated by differences in cytokine release by peripheral blood T cells.

Atopy is a heterogeneous condition that differs from patient to patient. Some patients are sensitized to one allergen only whereas others are sensitized to many. The immune response appears to differ in patients sensitized to single or multiple allergens. Patients allergic to a single allergen have a significantly less intense IgE immune response, develop symptoms later in the allergy season, and respond better to standard immunotherapy than do patients who are allergic to multiple allergens. An explanation for this heterogeneity may reside in different patterns of release of cytokines that play a major role in regulating the synthesis of IgE. These include IL-4, which induces IgE synthesis, and interferon gamma, which suppresses IgE synthesis.