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PHA‐induced IL‐12Rβ 2 mRNA expression in atopic and non‐atopic children
Author(s) -
Janefjord C. K.,
Jenmalm M. C.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
clinical and experimental allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.462
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1365-2222
pISSN - 0954-7894
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2222.2001.01206.x
Subject(s) - peripheral blood mononuclear cell , stimulation , messenger rna , immunology , cytokine , receptor , interleukin 4 , endocrinology , medicine , biology , in vitro , gene , biochemistry
Background IL‐12 is a strong inducer of Th1 responses. Stimulation via the CD2 receptor increases IFN‐γ production and enhances the responsiveness of activated T‐cells to IL‐12, possibly due to an up‐regulation of the signal transducing β 2 chain of the IL‐12 receptor (IL‐12Rβ 2 ). Atopic children have a reduced Th1‐like immunity and a reduced CD2 expression. Our hypothesis is that atopic individuals have a reduced function of the CD2 pathway, causing reduced responsiveness to IL‐12 and decreased IFN‐γ production. Objective The aim was to study the mRNA expression of the IL‐12Rβ 2 chain, after stimulation via the CD2 pathway in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), of atopic and non‐atopic children, and to investigate correlations to the production of Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Materials and methods The study included 23 skin prick test positive, and 9 non‐sensitized, 12‐year‐old children. PBMC were stimulated for 24 h with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) (2 µg/mL), which stimulates T cells through the CD2 pathway. Expression of IL‐12Rβ 2 mRNA was analysed by quantitative real time PCR and the cytokine production was detected with ELISA. Results Atopic and non‐atopic children had similar baseline expression of IL‐12Rβ 2 mRNA, whereas PHA‐induced IL‐12Rβ 2 mRNA expression was lower in atopic than in non‐atopic children. The PHA‐induced IL‐12Rβ 2 mRNA expression correlated well with the PHA‐induced IFN‐γ production and with the IFN‐γ/IL‐4 ratio. Conclusion PBMC from atopic children expressed less IL‐12Rβ 2 mRNA than non‐atopic children after stimulation via the CD2 pathway (PHA). This may indicate a reduced capacity to respond to Th1‐inducing stimuli in atopic children.