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Type III IFN-lambda mRNA expression in sputum of adult and school-aged asthmatics

Dominique M A Bullens1, A Decraene, E Dilissen

  • 1Clinical Immunology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KULeuven), Leuven, Belgium. Dominique.Bullens@med.kuleuven.be

Clinical and Experimental Allergy : Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|June 20, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Asthma patients show higher levels of certain interferon lambda (IFN-lambda) mRNA in their airways. These findings suggest that IFN-lambda, specifically IL-29, may offer protection against lower airway issues in asthma.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Asthmatics exhibit increased susceptibility to rhinovirus infections.
  • This susceptibility is linked to reduced production of interferon lambda 1 (IL-29) and interferon lambda 2/3 (IL-28) by airway cells.
  • Investigating airway IFN-lambda mRNA expression is crucial for understanding asthma pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare IFN-lambda mRNA expression in the airways of stable asthmatics versus healthy individuals.
  • To correlate IFN-lambda mRNA levels with asthma symptoms, airway inflammation markers, and lung function.
  • To explore differences in IFN-lambda expression between asthmatic adults and children.

Main Methods:

  • Sputum induction was used to obtain airway cells from 14 healthy adults, 35 asthmatic adults, and 12 asthmatic children.
  • Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to measure IFN-lambda mRNA levels.
  • Correlations were analyzed between IFN-lambda mRNA and markers of airway inflammation (e.g., eosinophils, T cells) and clinical parameters.

Main Results:

  • Asthmatic adults showed increased sputum IL-28 mRNA but similar IL-29 mRNA compared to healthy subjects.
  • Both IL-28 and IL-29 mRNA levels correlated with sputum CD3 gamma mRNA (T cell marker) in asthmatics.
  • IL-28 mRNA correlated with eosinophil counts, while IL-29 mRNA correlated negatively with asthma symptoms in steroid-naive patients.
  • IL-29 mRNA levels were higher in steroid-treated asthmatics and significantly higher in asthmatic children compared to adults.

Conclusions:

  • Asthmatic airways contain substantial levels of type III IFN-lambda (IL-28 and IL-29) mRNA.
  • The findings suggest a potential immunoprotective role for IL-29 in the lower airways of asthmatics.
  • Further research into IFN-lambda's role could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for asthma.

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