Correlation of allergen-induced IL-5 and IL-13 production by peripheral blood T cells of asthma patients

Background: Helper T cells and T cell cytokines are implicated in allergic disorders such as asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD). We reported enhanced interleukin-5 (IL-5) production by peripheral blood T cells of asthmatic patients. Production of cytokines, particularly IL-5 and IL-13, by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from bronchial asthma (BA) and AD patients was investigated in the present study. Methods: PBMC were cultured in the presence of either polyclonal activator, phorbol ester plus Ca2+ ionophore or Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) antigen. The resulting supernatants were assayed for IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 by specific ELISAs. Results: IL-5 and IL-13 production in response to Df antigen is significantly higher in allergic groups compared to control subjects. IL-5 responses induced by Df antigen were strongly correlated with IL-13 responses. Conclusion: In spite of IL-13 gene proximity to IL-4 gene, IL-5 production was more strongly correlated to IL-13 production in the BA group, suggesting a common control mechanism that regulates the IL-5 and IL-13 gene. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.