Interferon-induced suppression of in vitro IgE biosynthesis in asthmatic children

The effect of interferon on the in vitro IgE biosynthesis was studied in 22 asthmatic children. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells, T cells and B cells were treated with 400 IU human fibroblast interferon for six hours, washed, cultured for one week and the supernatant IgE concentrations were determined. The results showed (1) B cells were the targets for interferon effect as interferon-treated B cells produced much less IgE than did the untreated B cells and (2) the presence of normal T cells could protect the B cells from interferon-induced suppression of IgE synthesis. The results obtained in this study can be used to explain the depressed IgE levels after viral infections.