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Dysregulated peripheral and mucosal Th1/Th2 response in Whipple's disease
Thomas Marth1, Nicole Kleen, Andreas Stallmach
1Internal Medicine II, University of the Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany. marth.gastro2@dkd-wiesbaden.de
Gastroenterology
|October 31, 2002
Summary
Patients with Whipple's disease (WD) exhibit impaired cellular immunity, specifically reduced T-helper 1 (Th1) responses. This defect, characterized by lower interleukin-12 (IL-12) production, may increase susceptibility to Tropheryma whipplei infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Whipple's disease (WD) is linked to potential immune dysfunction.
- Impaired monocyte function and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production are suspected factors in WD pathogenesis.
- Delayed elimination of Tropheryma whipplei may stem from immune system deficiencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cellular immune functions in patients with Whipple's disease.
- To assess the role of immune response defects in WD.
- To explore the relationship between immune alterations and Tropheryma whipplei infection.
Main Methods:
- Studied cellular immune functions in 20 WD patients.
- Analyzed peripheral mononuclear blood cell cytokine production (IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-2) using ELISA.
- Assessed monocyte IL-12 production and mucosal immune responses (CD4 T-cell percentage, IFN-γ secretion).
Main Results:
- WD patients showed increased IL-4 production but reduced IFN-γ and IL-2 secretion compared to controls.
- Significantly reduced monocyte IL-12 production was observed in WD patients.
- Decreased CD4 T-cell percentage and impaired IFN-γ secretion were found at the mucosal level.
Conclusions:
- WD is associated with a defective cellular immune response, particularly impaired Th1 responses.
- Reduced monocyte IL-12 levels may contribute to decreased IFN-γ production.
- These immune deficits may lead to increased susceptibility to Tropheryma whipplei infection.
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