Correlation of Allergen-Induced IL-5 and IL-13 Production by Peripheral Blood T Cells of Asthma Patients

Abstract

<i>Background:</i> Helper T cells and T cell cytokines are implicated in allergic disorders such as asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD). We reported enhanced interleukin-5 (IL-5) production by peripheral blood T cells of asthmatic patients. Production of cytokines, particularly IL-5 and IL-13, by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from bronchial asthma (BA) and AD patients was investigated in the present study. <i>Methods:</i> PBMC were cultured in the presence of either polyclonal activator, phorbol ester plus Ca²⁺ ionophore or <i>Dermatophagoides</i><i>farinae</i> (Df) antigen. The resulting supernatants were assayed for IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 by specific ELISAs. <i>Results:</i> IL-5 and IL-13 production in response to Df antigen is significantly higher in allergic groups compared to control subjects. IL-5 responses induced by Df antigen were strongly correlated with IL-13 responses. <i>Conclusion:</i> In spite of IL-13 gene proximity to IL-4 gene, IL-5 production was more strongly correlated to IL-13 production in the BA group, suggesting a common control mechanism that regulates the IL-5 and IL-13 gene.