[An analysis of type 2 helper T cells in patients with atopic dermatitis]

In order to know the role of type 2 helper T (Th2) cells on patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), peripheral blood mononuclear cells were taken from the patients, stimulated with immobilized anti CD3 monoclonal antibody in the presence of monensin, and stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled anti IL-2 or IL-4 monoclonal antibody, followed by phycoerythrin labeled-anti CD4 monoclonal antibody. The fluorescent intensity was detected by FACScan. The results showed that the frequency of IL-4 producing CD4+ cells from AD patients was significantly higher than that from the healthy controls, whereas that of IL-2 producing CD4+ cells from patients were the same as healthy controls. The frequency of IL-4 producing cells was well correlated to the clinical severity of the disease, but that of IL-2 producing cells did not show any significance. Neither IL-2 nor IL-4 producing CD4+ cells had any relation to the serum IgE levels and the number of eosinophils in the patients. Our results indicate dominance of IL-4 producing CD4+ cells, which means Th2 cells in the peripheral mononuclear cells in the patients with AD, especially severe cases.