THE 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 interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) which suppresses TH2 and reduces IL-4 induced IgE production. In this :;tudy , 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. Inter!eukin-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.