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Modulation of lymphocyte phenotype and function by immunoglobulins
J Kirschbaum1, K Forschner, C Rasche
1Allergy-Center-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitàtsmedizin Berlin, Schumannstr, 20-21, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|January 26, 2006
Summary
Immunoglobulins effectively modulate immune responses in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). This study shows they inhibit T-cell activation and reduce key cytokine production in both AD patients and healthy donors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Immunoglobulins possess immune-modulating properties utilized in treating various dermatological conditions.
- Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy is a reported treatment for severe atopic dermatitis (AD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of immunoglobulins on peripheral T and B lymphocytes in patients with AD.
- To compare lymphocyte phenotype and function in AD patients versus healthy donors (HD) when exposed to immunoglobulins.
Main Methods:
- Multicolour flow cytometry was employed to analyze lymphocyte activation.
- T-cell cytokine production (interferon-gamma, interleukin-4) was assessed.
- Expression of CD69, CD86, and CD23 on lymphocytes was measured.
Main Results:
- Immunoglobulins significantly inhibited T-cell activation (CD69) in both AD patients (71%) and HD (62%).
- Production of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 was significantly reduced by immunoglobulins in both groups.
- CD86 expression on B lymphocytes was downregulated in AD patients (30%) and HD (29%).
Conclusions:
- In vitro, immunoglobulins demonstrably modulate the activation and cytokine production of peripheral blood lymphocytes.
- These findings suggest a direct immunomodulatory effect of immunoglobulins on lymphocytes relevant to AD pathogenesis.