Contribution of Local Nasal IgE Production to the Boost of Systemic Allergen-specific IgE Production Upon Nasal Allergen Contact - an Explorative Pilot Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the role of IgE-producing cells in the nasal mucosa and their contribution to increasing allergen-specific IgE levels in the blood after nasal allergen exposure. This study focuses on birch pollen allergy, which affects many people and causes symptoms like allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis. The research aims to better understand how local nasal IgE production affects systemic allergic responses, an area not well understood but important for developing new treatments. The study involves a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design with two groups: one receiving birch pollen extract nasal challenge and the other receiving a saline placebo outside the pollen season. Participants will be closely followed for up to four months. The team will use advanced techniques such as flow cytometry and confocal microscopy to identify and study IgE-producing cells in blood and nasal biopsies. Additional procedures include nasal specimen collection, mucosal RNA sampling, skin prick testing, and nasal allergen challenge with symptom management as needed. Participants will undergo various assessments including blood sampling, nasal biopsies, and skin prick tests to track allergic responses and IgE cell levels over time. Nasal airflow measurements and pregnancy tests in females are part of the monitoring process. The main outcome measured is the amount of IgE-producing cells over three years. The study requires regular visits and close follow-up to capture changes in IgE production and allergic inflammation, with total participation lasting up to four months.

Contribution of Nasal IgE Production to the Boost of Systemic Allergen-specific IgE Upon Nasal Allergen Contact