Chou CC, Huang MS, Hsieh KH, Chiang BL. Reduced IL-12 level correlates with decreased IFN-gamma secreting T cells but not natural killer cell activity in asthmatic children.
Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1999;
82:479-84. [PMID:
10353580 DOI:
10.1016/s1081-1206(10)62725-1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Accessory cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells, and their cytokines such as IL-10, IL-12, and IFN-gamma have been suggested to play a critical role in the development of T helper cells.
OBJECTIVE
Both natural killer cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and stimulated for their ability in producing cytokines. In addition, the percentage of IFN-gamma-secreting cells was analyzed with the method of intracellular staining.
RESULTS
The data suggested (1) no significant difference between asthmatic children and normal controls in number, cytotoxicity, and IFN-gamma production of purified NK cells; (2) decreased secretion of IL-12 by stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in asthmatic children compared with normals (P < .05); (3) decreased production of IFN-gamma by PBMC from asthmatic children compared with normals (P < .05); and (4) intracellular expressed IFN-gamma level was lower in CD4+ T cells of asthmatic children (P < .05).
CONCLUSION
The results suggested that IL-12 produced predominantly by macrophages and associated decreased IFN-gamma-secreting CD4+ T cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of asthma.
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