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Published on: June 24, 2020

Interleukin-16 in tuberculous and malignant pleural effusions

X-J Qin1, H-Z Shi, Z-X Huang

  • 1Dept of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.

The European Respiratory Journal
|April 2, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Interleukin-16 (IL-16) levels are higher in tuberculous pleural effusions than malignant ones. IL-16 attracts CD4+ T-cells, suggesting a role in tuberculous pleurisy pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Interleukin-16 (IL-16) is a cytokine with known immunomodulatory functions.
  • Its role in pleural effusions, particularly in distinguishing between tuberculous and malignant causes, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and levels of IL-16 in pleural effusions.
  • To correlate IL-16 concentrations with cytological parameters.
  • To assess the chemoattractant activity of IL-16 on CD4+ T-lymphocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Quantification of IL-16 in pleural effusions from patients with tuberculous pleurisy and lung cancer.
  • Analysis of total nucleated cell and differential counts.
  • Three-colour flow cytometry to determine T-lymphocyte subsets.
  • In vitro assessment of IL-16 chemoattractant activity for CD4+ T-lymphocytes.

Main Results:

  • IL-16 levels were significantly elevated in tuberculous pleural effusions compared to malignant effusions.
  • A positive correlation was observed between IL-16 levels and the number of CD4+ T-cells.
  • Pleural fluid demonstrated chemoattractant properties for CD4+ T-cells in vitro.
  • Intrapleural IL-16 administration led to increased CD4+ T-cell infiltration.

Conclusions:

  • Interleukin-16 is present in pleural effusions and is significantly higher in tuberculous cases.
  • IL-16 exhibits chemoattractant activity for CD4+ T-lymphocytes, contributing to their infiltration into the pleural space.
  • While elevated in tuberculous effusions, IL-16 levels alone are insufficient for definitive diagnosis due to overlapping ranges.

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