Interleukin-2 in relation to T-cell subpopulations in children with rheumatic heart disease

ABSTRACT

This study was plained to evaluate one of the major cytokines interluekin-2 [IL-2] released from T-lymphocytes, in children with rheumatic heart diseases, and its relation to T cell subpopulations [measured by monoclonal antibodies]. The study included two groups of children 9 normal control and 13 children with rheumatic heart diseases. Serum IL-2 was measured by radioimmunoassay and was found to be significantly increased in rheumatic children compared to control [P<0.01]. While T helper [CD4] and total T cells [CD3] showed significant decrease as compared to control [P<0.05,. P<0.01 respectively]. No correlation was found between IL-2 and T cell subpopulations. Our finding may provide some explanation for the abnormal immune response in children with rheumatic heart disease [RHD]