Related Experiment Videos
Reduced interferon-gamma secretion in neonates and subsequent atopy
M L Tang1, A S Kemp, J Thorburn
1Department of Immunology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Lancet (London, England)
|October 8, 1994
Summary
Reduced interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) at birth is linked to developing atopic disease. This suggests lower IFN-gamma is a primary cause, not a result, of atopic conditions in infants.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
- Neonatal Studies
Background:
- Individuals with active atopic disease often exhibit low interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) secretion.
- The causal relationship between low IFN-gamma and atopic disease remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether reduced IFN-gamma secretion at birth is a predictor of developing atopic disease.
- To determine if low IFN-gamma is a cause or consequence of atopic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Examined cord blood IFN-gamma secretion in 35 neonates.
- Prospectively followed infants for one year to monitor for atopic disease development.
- Assessed atopic disease through symptoms and IgE-mediated skin prick tests.
Main Results:
- Infants who developed atopic disease within one year showed significantly lower IFN-gamma secretion at birth (p = 0.005).
- A clear correlation was observed between reduced neonatal IFN-gamma levels and subsequent atopic disease onset.
Conclusions:
- Reduced IFN-gamma secretion at birth is a primary defect associated with the atopic state.
- This finding indicates that impaired interferon secretion is a predisposition to atopic disease, rather than a result of it.