Scientists at Gifu University release new data on acute bronchiolitis
2007 NOV 13 -- "Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection has been hypothesized to be a risk factor for the development of allergy and asthma, but epidemiologic studies in humans still remain inconclusive. The association between RSV infection and allergic diseases may be dependent on atopic background and previous history of RSV infection," investigators in Gifu, Japan report. "In this study, the influence of the timing of RSV infection on the development of Japanese cedar pollen (JCP)-induced allergic responses was examined. BALB/c mice were intranasally infected with RSV before or after sensitization to JCP. Production of cytokines in the culture fluid of lung parenchyma cells and the level of antigen specific antibodies in the serum were determined. It became clear that JCP was a strong inducer for the elicitation of Th2-type responses, characterized by production of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 in the lung and JCP-specific IgE antibody in the serum. RSV infection, however, suppressed JCP-induced allergic responses by decreasing the production of Th2-like cytokines and Th2-type antibodies. This phenomenon was observed more clearly in the groups that were infected with RSV, 2 weeks or 2 days before sensitization to JCP. The inhibitory mechanism of RSV infection seems to be due to RSV-induced Th1 type dominant environment, which downregulated the Th2-type responses subsequently induced by allergen sensitization. On the other hand, JCP-inoculation altered RSV-induced immune responses to shift from Thl-to Th2-type dominance, by inhibiting RSV-induced Th1-like cytokine production," wrote B.X. Liu and colleagues, Gifu University. The researchers concluded: "These data provide evidence that under a certain condition, RSV infection may play a protective role in JCP-induced allergic responses." Liu and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Medical Virology (Respiratory syncytial virus protects against the subsequent development of Japanese cedar pollen-induced allergic responses. Journal of Medical Virology, 2007;79(10):1600-1605). For additional information, contact Y. Kimura, Gifu University Med Science, Dept. of Med Technology, 795-1 Nagamine Ichihiraga, Gifu 5013892, Japan. The publisher of the Journal of Medical Virology can be contacted at: Wiley-Liss, Division John Wiley & Sons Inc., 111 River St., Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA. Keywords: Japan, Gifu, Acute Bronchiolitis, Gifu University. This article was prepared by Disease Prevention Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Disease Prevention Week via NewsRx.com.
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