R848, a Toll-like receptors 7 and 8 agonist, a potential therapy for allergic rhinitis patients.

OBJECTIVE

There is a growing interest in the targeting of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) for the treatment of allergic diseases. TLRs7/8 ligands are future candidates of therapeutic value in allergic rhinitis (AR). This study focus on TLRs7/8 ligand; resiquimod (R848) as an adjuvant to immunotherapy (IT) in AR patient.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from atopic donors and non atopic donors. PBMCs were cultured in the absence and presence of date palm pollen allergen (Phoenix dactylifera; Pho d) and/or R848. Interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-10, IL-13 and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were measured in the culture supernatants.

RESULTS

R848 was able to significantly increase the anti-inflammatory response in atopic donors more than non atopic donors. Nevertheless, the combination of both; R848 and Pho d provides inferior stimulus as compared to R848 alone in both atopic and non atopic donors.

CONCLUSIONS

Invitro treatment of PBMCs with R484 hijacks the pro inflammatory immune process triggered by TLRs7/8 to mediate anti-inflammatory response. This may provide a conception about the activity and efficacy of TLRs7/8 ligands in AR and open the gate for them to be applied in clinically in humans.