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T-lymphocyte subpopulations in children's atopic asthma
R Lokar1, V Kolbas, A Sabioncello
1Institute for mother and child health, Institute of Immunology, Zagreb.
Allergie Und Immunologie
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Children with atopic asthma have lower suppressor T lymphocytes, which increase with immunotherapy. This suggests a role for these cells in asthma pathogenesis and highlights immunotherapy
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatric Allergy
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Atopic asthma is a common condition in children.
- T lymphocyte subpopulations play a role in immune regulation.
- The function of suppressor T lymphocytes in pediatric asthma is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels of suppressor and helper T lymphocyte subpopulations in children with atopic asthma.
- To compare these levels with those in healthy children.
- To evaluate the effect of immunotherapy on T lymphocyte subpopulations in asthmatic children.
Main Methods:
- Monoclonal antibodies were used to determine T lymphocyte subpopulations.
- Study included 42 children with atopic asthma and 30 healthy controls.
- Asthmatic children were divided into untreated and immunotherapy-treated groups.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower suppressor T lymphocytes were found in non-treated asthmatic children (p<0.01).
- Significantly higher suppressor T lymphocytes were observed in children treated with immunotherapy (p<0.01).
- Higher stimulation index with mitogens was noted in asthmatic children.
Conclusions:
- Reduced and functionally impaired suppressor T lymphocytes may contribute to asthma pathogenesis.
- Immunotherapy shows potential benefits for treating childhood atopic asthma.
- Further research into T lymphocyte roles in asthma is warranted.