Safety and Efficacy of Low-dose IL-2 in Birch Pollen Allergy

Several studies have reported a deficit and/or a defect in regulatory T cells in allergic subjects, which can be correlated with the allergic responses, especially for respiratory allergies. Low-dose IL-2 (ld-IL2) specifically targets and activates regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are cells that regulate immune responses. Thus by stimulating Tregs, ld-IL2 would control allergic responses.

This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of ILT-101 (ld-IL-2), compared to placebo, on the nasal response assessed by Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) during a controlled birch allergen exposure.

Primary objective To evaluate the efficacy of ILT-101 (ld-IL-2), compared to placebo, on nasal response on day 40

Secondary objectives To evaluate the efficacy of ILT-101 on rhino-conjunctivitis symptoms, on inflammatory mediators, allergic specific immune responses and safety.

Experimental design This is a monocentric, randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind trial in parallel-groups, evaluating a treatment by ILT-101/placebo, 1 MIU daily for 5 days and 1 MIU every week, until day 36.

Population involved Male or female, aged between 18 and 55 years, with allergic rhinitis to birch pollen.

Number of subjects: 24

Duration of patient participation: 3 months (treatment period: 36 days months, follow-up period: 34 days)

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion criteria

* male or female aged between18-55 years
* Positive clinical history of seasonal allergic rhinitis to birch pollen for at least 2 consecutive pollinic seasons before inclusion and requiring medication intake with or without GINA 1 associated asthma, with documentation of sensitivity within 12 months before enrollment by : \*Positive skin prick test (SPT) and validated in vitro tests for specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE); \*Positive Skin prick test (SPT): wheal for birch pollen ≥ 5 mm in diameter for histamine wheal ≥ 3 mm (positive control) and NaCl reaction \< 2 mm (negative control) \*Positive specific IgE to birch pollen \>0.75 kUI/L;
* Negative beta-HcG pregnancy test at screening visit for women of childbearing age;
* Normal electrocardiogram without clinically significant abnormalities;
* Ability to stay in the EEC for up to 4 hours, without any conditions or factors which could make this not possible
* Positive nasal response (TNSS≥5) at baseline exposure
* Free, informed and written consent signed by the patient and the investigator, before any specific examination required by the study;
* Affiliation to a social security scheme (beneficiary or assignee)
* Negative SARS-CoV-2 test less than 72 hours prior to screening visit

Exclusion Criteria:

* Asthma: GINA 2 to 5
* Eosinophilia \> 0.6x109/mL;
* Any history of anaphylactic reactions;
* Specific immunotherapy treatment at the moment, including Omalizumab;
* Specific immunotherapy for birch-pollens within 3 previous years;
* Use of systemic corticosteroid or others immunosuppressive treatment within previous 6 months;
* Moderate to severe allergic rhinoconjunctivitis with or without asthma due to grass pollen, if the study is performed during grass pollen season (according to ARIA)
* Significant rhinitis, or sinusitis, due to daily contact with other allergen causing symptoms that are expected to coincide with exposures, as assessed by the investigator
* Contraindications known to treatment with IL-2:

  * Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients;
  * Immunosuppressed patient;
  * Psychotropic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, myelotoxic or cardiotoxic drugs;
  * Other chronic diseases not clinically controlled;
  * Signs of active infection requiring treatment;
  * Previous history of organ transplantation.
  * Heart failure (≥ grade II, class. NYHA), kidney failure (Cockroft \<60 ml/min/1.73m2), liver failure (transaminase\> 3N), pulmonary insufficiency (any grade);
* Leukocytes \<3000 / mm3 lymphocytes \<800 / mm3, platelets \<80 000 / mm3, Hemoglobin \< 10.0 g/dL or 6.2 mmol/L, red cell blood \< 3.5 T/L;
* Positivity of at least one of the thyroid-specific antibodies (anti-TPO, anti-TG, or anti-TRAKS) associated with an abnormal thyroid workup (TSH, T3, or T4) at inclusion;
* Chronic uncontrolled arterial hypertension (Systolic BP \> 140 mmHg and/or Diastolic BP \> 90 mmHg);
* Poor venous capital will forbid blood samples;
* Vaccination with attenuated live vaccine in the month before the inclusion or planned during the study;
* Vaccination against COVID-19 during the study period or if the 2nd dose of vaccine is planned during the 15 days preceding Visit 3
* Surgery in the previous three months or anticipated under study;
* Participation in other interventional research with study drug in the previous month and during the study;
* Psychiatric illness or any other concomitant chronic illness or addiction that could interfere with the ability to meet the requirements of the protocol or provide informed consent;
* Presence or history of unhealed cancer for more than five years, presence or history of healed cancer for less than five years, except carcinoma in situ of the cervix or basal cell carcinoma;
* Pregnant or lactating women;
* Men and women of childbearing age without effective contraception during the treatment period;