TH1/TH2 balance in concomitant immediate and delayed-type hypersensitivity diseases

Immunol Lett. 2009 Jun 4;124(2):88-94. doi: 10.1016/j.imlet.2009.04.011. Epub 2009 May 9.

Abstract

In spite of the observation of mutual inhibitory properties of TH1 and TH2 CD4+ cells, a group of patients developed simultaneously immediate and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions that are theoretically antagonistic. Patients presenting concomitant hypersensitivity reactions were evaluated for cytokine production. PBMC from 45 patients and 13 non-atopic individuals were cultured with mite allergen and mitogen and the supernatants obtained were evaluated for cytokine production by ELISA. The analysis of the cytokines levels revealed increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha in the non-atopic individuals after specific and mitogen stimulus. The IL-4 was largely observed on serum samples and IL-5 levels were higher in the double sensitized group (group DerpNi) after PHA stimulus. The IL-13 levels were increased in sensitized groups (Derp and DerpNi groups) after PHA stimuli. Atopic patients (Derp and DerpNi groups) presented lowest levels IFN-gamma and the analysis of TGF-beta production after rDER P I stimulation have shown increased levels among sensitized patients to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus mite. IL-10 levels did not differ after antigen stimulation but basal production was higher on Derp and DerpNi groups. Furthermore, negative correlations were observed between IFN-gamma levels and IL-4, IL-13 and IL-10. This study has shown patients able to react, concomitantly, to the two types of antigens - rDER P I and NiSO4, present distinct pattern of cytokine production. The increased levels of IL-13 in the sensitive individuals to mite antigen (rDER P I) and IFN-gamma in NiSO4 sensitized individuals confirm the role of the type TH2 response in the atopies and TH1 type in DCA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Allergens / immunology
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides / pharmacology
  • Arthropod Proteins
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Cytokines / immunology*
  • Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed / immunology*
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed / metabolism
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / immunology*
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / metabolism
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / drug effects
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology*
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nickel / pharmacology
  • Phytohemagglutinins / pharmacology
  • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
  • Skin Tests
  • Th1 Cells / drug effects
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / drug effects
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides
  • Arthropod Proteins
  • Cytokines
  • Phytohemagglutinins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • nickel sulfate
  • Nickel
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases
  • Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigen p 1