Mathematical Modelling of Venom Immunotherapy

Allergic hypersensitivity of type I for hymenoptera venoms is the most frequent reason for acute IgE-mediated anaphylactic reactions. The subcutaneous injection of increasing doses of purified allergen followed by long term administration of an adequate maintenance dose over a period of 3 to 5 years called venom immunotherapy has been proven to be a very effective treatment achieving protection in about 96% of allergic patients. Even though the principle of hyposensitisation has been introduced already 90 years ago, the underlying immunoregulatory mechanisms of venom immunotherapy remain poorly understood. Recent studies suggest a shift in cytokine production from a Th2 to a Th1 cytokine profile during therapy. In this paper a mathematical model for T-cell regulation and a model for mast cell/basophil desensitisation are presented and analysed to explain the mechanism of conventional, rush and ultra-rush venom immunotherapy.