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Combinations of common chronic paediatric diseases deviate the immune response in diverging directions

L Nilsson1, A Kivling, M Jalmelid

  • 1Division of Paediatrics, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.

Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|November 15, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Investigating pediatric immune disorders, this study reveals that combining two Th1-dominant diseases (like type 1 diabetes and celiac disease) suppresses immune response. However, combining Th1 and Th2 dominant diseases enhances the general immune response in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Immunology
  • Immunogenetics
  • Clinical Allergy

Background:

  • Cytokine profiles of T lymphocytes in children with combined immunological disorders remain poorly understood.
  • Understanding these patterns is crucial for diagnosing and managing complex pediatric immune conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize cytokine secretion patterns in children with type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, and/or allergy.
  • To investigate how combinations of these common childhood diseases affect T helper (Th)1 and Th2 lymphocyte responses after antigen stimulation.

Main Methods:

  • Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) technique was used to analyze interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-4 secretion.
  • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 68 children were stimulated in vitro with disease-specific antigens (insulin, gluten, allergens) and mitogens.
  • Analysis focused on differentiating Th1-like (IFN-gamma) from Th2-like (IL-4) responses.

Main Results:

  • Allergic children showed increased IL-4 secretion upon stimulation with birch and cat extracts.
  • Type 1 diabetic children exhibited a low IFN-gamma response to insulin, while allergic children showed increased IL-4.
  • Children with both type 1 diabetes (Th1-prone) and allergy (Th2-prone) displayed distinct responses to mitogens.
  • Children with two Th1-dominant diseases (type 1 diabetes and celiac disease) had minimal responses to food or inhalation allergens.

Conclusions:

  • An interplay exists between common pediatric immunological diseases, influencing immune responses.
  • Combining two Th1-deviated diseases leads to a suppressed immune response.
  • Combining Th1- and Th2-dominated diseases appears to augment the general immune response in children.

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