Aspects of immunity in the treatment of bronchial asthma

The two subsets of CD4+ lymphocytes, Th1 and Th 2 secrete two groups of antagonistic cytokines: IL-2/IFNgamma, secreted by the Th1, and IL -4/IL-5, secreted by the Th2 cells. In addition to its antiviral effect, IFNgamma activates phagocytosis, enhances expression of Fc gamma R and MHC antigens on different cell types, stimulates synthesis of IgG molecules, etc. Interleukin-4 induces expression of Fc epsilon R, activates synthesis of IgE antibodies, while IL-5 stimulates the migration of eosinophils towards the lung. Eosinophils and IgE molecules are considered the main factors inducing bronchial asthma. In order to down-regulate IL-4 and IL-5 synthesis and to block the asthmatic phenomena, treatment of patients by inoculation of IFNgamma instead of glucocorticoids seems to be more reasonable.