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Induction and Monitoring of Active Delayed Type Hypersensitivity (DTH) in Rats
Published on: July 19, 2007
TH1/TH2 balance in concomitant immediate and delayed-type hypersensitivity diseases
Luane Marques de Mello1, Monique Isabel Silveira Bechara, Dirceu Solé
1Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Biological Science, Universidade Federal de Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), 30 Frei Paulino-38025-180, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.
Immunology Letters
|May 13, 2009
Summary
This study reveals that patients can exhibit both immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions simultaneously. Distinct cytokine profiles, including elevated IL-13 and IFN-gamma, were observed in these patients, challenging previous understandings of immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
- Cellular Immunology
Background:
- T helper 1 (TH1) and T helper 2 (TH2) CD4+ cells typically exhibit mutual inhibition.
- Simultaneous immediate and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions are theoretically antagonistic but observed in some patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cytokine production patterns in patients experiencing concomitant hypersensitivity reactions.
- To understand the immunological basis for simultaneous reactions to different allergens.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 45 patients and 13 non-atopic controls were cultured with mite allergen (rDER P I) and mitogen (PHA).
- Cytokine levels (TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IFN-gamma, TGF-beta, IL-10) in culture supernatants were measured using ELISA.
- Patients were categorized based on sensitization to mite allergen (Derp) and nickel sulfate (NiSO4), including a double-sensitized group (DerpNi).
Main Results:
- Non-atopic individuals showed increased TNF-alpha production.
- The double-sensitized group (DerpNi) had higher IL-5 levels post-PHA stimulus.
- Sensitized groups (Derp, DerpNi) showed increased IL-13 post-PHA and increased TGF-beta post-rDER P I stimulation.
- Atopic patients had lower IFN-gamma levels, with negative correlations between IFN-gamma and IL-4, IL-13, IL-10.
- Basal IL-10 production was higher in sensitized groups (Derp, DerpNi).
Conclusions:
- Patients can react simultaneously to different antigens (e.g., mite allergen and nickel sulfate) with distinct cytokine production patterns.
- Elevated IL-13 in mite-sensitive individuals supports a TH2 response in atopy.
- Elevated IFN-gamma in nickel-sensitized individuals suggests a TH1 response in delayed-type hypersensitivity (DCA).
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