Th(2) immune response in patients with dengue during defervescence: preliminary evidence

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Dengue virus infection is associated with immune response alterations.
• Previous in vitro studies suggested a shift from T(H)1 to T(H)2 immune responses during dengue infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vivo immune response in dengue patients around the time of defervescence.
• To quantify plasma IgE levels, CD4:CD8 lymphocyte ratio, and intracellular IFN-gamma:IL-4 ratio in dengue patients compared to healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Plasma IgE levels were measured in 28 dengue patients and healthy controls.
• CD4:CD8 lymphocyte ratio and intracellular IFN-gamma:IL-4 ratio were assessed in 9 dengue patients and controls.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare patient and control groups.

Main Results:

• Dengue patients had significantly lower CD4:CD8 lymphocyte ratios (P=0.001) and higher plasma IgE levels (P=0.004) compared to controls.
• The intracellular IFN-gamma:IL-4 ratio was significantly lower in dengue patients (P=0.001), indicating a T(H)2-biased response.
• These immune changes were observed around the time of defervescence in dengue patients.

Conclusions:

• The study provides in vivo evidence of a T(H)2 immune response in dengue patients during the recovery phase.
• The observed immune shift suggests a potential role for T(H)2 cytokines in dengue pathogenesis or resolution.
• Findings contribute to understanding the complex immune dynamics of dengue virus infection.