Researchers at Wuhan University target allergies immunology

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March 3rd, 2009

   2009 MAR 3 -- Investigators publish new data in the report 'Insufficient increment of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells after stimulation in vitro with allergen in allergic asthma.' According to a study from Wuhan, People's Republic of China, "Allergen exposure can lead to the development of allergic asthma, sensitized asymptomatic or nonallergic responses in different conditions. Regulatory T (T(reg)) cells are involved in controlling the immune response direction."

   "The aim of this study was to determine whether allergic asthmatics had defects in CD4+CD25+ T(reg) cells and CD4+IL (interleukin)-10+ T(reg) cells after specific allergen exposure. Peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 20 patients with asthma sensitized to house dust mite, 24 asymptomatic subjects sensitized to house dust mite and 22 nonallergic subjects. Cells were cultured without stimulation and with rDer p 1. Frequencies and proliferations of CD4+CD25+ T cells and CD4+IL-10+ T cells were measured by flow cytometry. Concentrations of IL-10, IL-4, interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor growth factor beta(1) in culture supernatants and sera were determined by ELISA. PBMCs derived from sensitized asthmatic patients had the lowest percentage of CD4+CD25+ T(reg) cells and the highest IL-4 level in response to allergen among the 3 groups. PBMCs derived from sensitized asymptomatic subjects had higher percentages of both CD4+CD25+ T(reg) cells and CD4+IL-10+ T cells than those from sensitized asthmatic patients in rDer-p-1-stimulated cultures, and they had the highest levels of IL-10 and IFN-gamma responses to allergen among the 3 groups. Patients with allergic asthma had an insufficient CD4+CD25+ T(reg) cell response and an excessive Th2 response to specific allergen," wrote L.H. Wang and colleagues, Wuhan University.

   The researchers concluded: "The high levels of T(reg) cell response and IL-10 and IFN-gamma responses to specific allergen can partly explain the immunological characteristics associated with sensitized asymptomatic subjects."

   Wang and colleagues published their study in International Archives of Allergy and Immunology (Insufficient increment of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells after stimulation in vitro with allergen in allergic asthma. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, 2009;148(3):199-210).

   For more information, contact L.H. Wang, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Section of Respiratory Diseases, Wuhan, China.

   Publisher contact information for the journal International Archives of Allergy and Immunology is: S. Karger AG, Allschwilerstrasse 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland.

   Keywords: People's Republic of China, Wuhan, Allergies Immunology, Allergen, Allergies, Allergy Medicine, Asthma, Cytometry, Immunology, Interferon.

   This article was prepared by Drug Law Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Drug Law Weekly via NewsRx.com.

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