modulatory effects of interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma production by T-helper cells on IgE synthesis in children with atopic disease

ABSTRACT

Interleukin-4 [IL-4] is produced by T-helper cells type 2 [TH2] and induces IgE synthesis. T-helper cells type 1 [TH1] produce interferongamma [IFN-gamma] which suppresses TH2 and reduces IL-4 induced IgE production. In this study, we demonstrated that the levels of specific IgE in the serum of atopic children [n = 20] were elevated while IL-4 production was increased and IFN-gamma secretion was reduced, compared to those of control group. Interleukin -4-induced IGE synthesis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of atopic children in vitro was blocked in the presence of IFN-gamma. In addition, levels of soluble CD23-which is specifically induced by IL-4, were significantly elevated in our atopic patients. The data indicate that enhanced production of IL-4 and lowered IFN-gamma secretion by T-helper cells correlate with the elevated specific IGE levels in the serum of atopic children