Inactive systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with a normal stimulated Th1/Th2 cytokine secretory pattern

Objectives-To determine the Th-1/Th-2 balance in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with inactive disease, Methods-A comprehensive analysis of peak secretion, overall cytokine production and secretory pattern of Th-1 and Th-2 cytokines from stimulated PBMC of 10 SLE patients with inactive disease and 10 age- and sex-matched controls. Results-No significant differences were found in the peak and total secretion of all cytokines, as well as in the Th-1 and Th-2 secretory patterns and proliferative response between the two groups. Conclusion-Th-1 and Th-2 balance in inactive SLE is normal. (C) 2000 Academic Press.