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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Human In Vitro Suppression as Screening Tool for the Recognition of an Early State of Immune Imbalance
14:01

Human In Vitro Suppression as Screening Tool for the Recognition of an Early State of Immune Imbalance

Published on: July 22, 2011

Induction of suppressor T cells in asthmatic children by theophylline treatment

B Shohat, B Volovitz, I Varsano

    Clinical Allergy
    |September 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    Theophylline treatment normalized low T-suppressor cell numbers and function in children with extrinsic asthma. This suggests theophylline may activate these crucial immune cells, correlating with asthma severity.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Pediatric Pulmonology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Extrinsic asthma in children is associated with immune dysregulation.
    • T-suppressor cells play a critical role in immune modulation.
    • Theophylline is a common asthma medication with potential immunomodulatory effects.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effect of theophylline on T-cell numbers and function, specifically T-suppressor cells, in children with extrinsic asthma.
    • To explore the correlation between T-suppressor cell levels and asthma severity.

    Main Methods:

    • Assessed absolute T-cell counts and function in eleven children with extrinsic asthma.
    • Evaluated T-suppressor cell subsets before and one month after theophylline treatment.
    • Correlated clinical asthma severity with T-suppressor cell numbers.

    Main Results:

    • Asthmatic children exhibited low mean T-suppressor cell numbers and function prior to treatment.
    • Theophylline treatment for one month normalized T-suppressor cell numbers and function.
    • Normal T-cell numbers were observed both before and after theophylline treatment.
    • A significant correlation was found between asthma clinical severity and T-suppressor cell counts.

    Conclusions:

    • Theophylline treatment appears to restore normal T-suppressor cell function in children with extrinsic asthma.
    • Theophylline may exert its therapeutic effect, in part, by activating T-suppressor cells.
    • Findings suggest a potential role for T-suppressor cells in the pathogenesis of childhood asthma.

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