['The precise immunological mechanisms for the early clinical protection of venom immunotherapy (VIT) have not yet been explained. Our aim was to evaluate whether high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) and the related basophil function have a role in the induction of short-term VIT protection.', 'We included 60 adults and 48 children. Basophil threshold sensitivity (CD-sens) to anti-FcεRI stimulation, and FcεRI gene and cell-surface expression were assessed at the beginning and just before the first maintenance dose (MD) of 100 μg of ultra-rush VIT (day 5) and at the beginning, during buildup, and just before the first MD of 70 μg and of 100 μg of semi-rush VIT (weeks 1-2 and 5).', 'We demonstrated a significant reduction in CD-sens to anti-FcεRI stimulation before the first MD in both ultra-rush and semi-rush VIT in all included subjects. FcεRI gene and/or cell-surface expression was decreased in 34-100% of subjects, with different dynamics between VIT protocols.'] Does short-term venom immunotherapy induce desensitization of FcεRI-mediated basophil response?