Increased expression of osteopontin is associated with long-term bee venom immunotherapy

Background: Venom allergen immunotherapy (VIT) is proven to be highly effective for insect allergy, but the mechanisms and the biomarkers associated with clinical efficacy remain elusive. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify candidate biomarkers associated with successful VIT. Methods: Gene chip array and clustering analyses of PBMCs from subjects with or without VIT were performed. Results: From gene chip array and clustering analyses, an increased expression of osteopontin was found in patients who completed 5 to 6 years of VIT and discontinued therapy for 3 to 6 years (completed treatment group) compared with the untreated group. A significantly higher level of serum osteopontin was found in the completed treatment group compared with the untreated group (n = 16 in each group; P < .001). Conclusion: The upregulation of osteopontin after VIT suggests a role of osteopontin as a candidate biomarker for VIT.