What cytokines do you expect to increase after immunotherapy?

After immunotherapy, the expectation is an increase in Th1-associated cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-12 (IL-12). This is primarily because immunotherapy aims to shift the immune response towards a Th1 phenotype, which is typically associated with a more effective immune response against allergies and infections.

The Th1-type immune response enhances cellular immunity, which can help control and reduce allergic reactions by promoting the action of cytotoxic T cells and stimulating macrophages. Immunotherapy works by desensitizing the body to allergens, which ultimately leads to a modified immune response characterized by increased production of this Th1-associated cytokines.

Increased levels of Th2-associated cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-5, which are involved in allergic responses, are generally not the focus of immunotherapy as these cytokines tend to promote allergic inflammation. Similarly, Th17-associated cytokines, like IL-17 and IL-23, are more involved in inflammatory conditions and not primarily targeted by immunotherapy for allergies. Therefore, while those cytokines play roles in various immune responses, the specific increase expected after successful immunotherapy is predominantly Th1-associated cytokines.