Although the numbers of infants in our study are limited our data suggest that a low number of IL-12-producing CBMC is associated with IgE sensitization during early childhood and that a reduced number of IFN-gamma-producing CBMC promotes the development of AEDS during the first 2 years of life.

Based on our findings, we suggest that CD14 could be involved in the regulation of IgE production, but that it might also be important for the maturation and development of the neonatal immune system.

SummaryLittle is known at present about the relation between parental and child cytokine profiles. In this study we aimed to investigate the cytokine profile of 2-year-old children and their corresponding mothers, 2 years after delivery. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from IgEsensitized ( n = = = = 15) and non-sensitized ( n = = = = 58) 2-year-old children and their mothers. The responses to ovalbumin, cat and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) were investigated using the enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) technique. Interferon (IFN)-γ γ γ γ -, interleukin (IL)-4-, IL-10-and IL-12-producing cells were enumerated. At 2 years of age, IgE-sensitized children exhibited increased numbers of IL-4-producing cells in response to PHA and also showed an increase in IL-10-and IL-12-producing cells to allergen that was more pronounced in response to ovalbumin than to cat. A statistically significant increase in the numbers of IFN-γ γ γ γ -, IL-10-and IL-12-producing cells to the allergens, but not to PHA, was found in the mothers of IgE-sensitized children irrespective of their own atopic status. IgE levels and cytokine responses were correlated between the mothers and their children, indicating that cytokine responses to both allergen and PHA might be governed by genetic factors. We speculate that the increased cytokine response to allergen, as opposed to the allergic status of the mother, might be a better predictor and/or a risk factor for the child to develop IgE-sensitization in early life.