IL‐13 production by allergen‐stimulated T cells is increased in allergic disease and associated with IL‐5 but not IFN‐γ expression

Abstract

SUMMARYInterleukin-13 ( IL-13) shares many, but not all, of the properties of the prototypic T-helper type 2 (Th2 ) cytokine IL-4, but its role in allergen-driven T-cell responses remains poorly defined. We hypothesized that allergen stimulation of peripheral blood T cells from patients with atopic disease compared with non-atopic controls results in elevated IL-13 synthesis in the context of a 'Th2-type' pattern. Freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMC) obtained from sensitized atopic patients with allergic disease, and non-atopic control subjects, were cultured with the allergens Phleum pratense ( Timothy grass pollen) or Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (house dust mite) and the non-allergenic recall antigen Mycobacterium tuberculosis purified protein derivative (PPD). Supernatant concentrations of IL-13, along with IL-5 and interferon-c ( IFN-c) ( Th2-and Th1-type cytokines, respectively) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA). Allergen-induced IL-13 and IL-5 production by T cells from patients with allergic disease was markedly elevated (P=0·0075 and P=0·0004, respectively) compared with non-atopic controls, whereas IFN-c production was not significantly diÂerent. In contrast to allergen, the prototypic Th1-type antigen M. tuberculosis PPD induced an excess of IFN-c over IL-13 and IL-5 production, and absolute concentrations of cytokines were not aÂected by the presence or absence of atopic disease. Addition of exogenous recombinant IFN-c or IL-12, cytokines known to inhibit Th2-type responses, significantly inhibited allergen-driven production of both IL-13 and IL-5, but not T-cell proliferation, whereas exogenous IL-4 did not significantly aÂect production of IL-13 or IL-5. We conclude that allergen-specific T cells from atopic subjects secrete elevated quantities of IL-13 compared with non-atopic controls, in the context of a Th2-type pattern of cytokine production.

IL-33 delays metastatic peritoneal cancer progression inducing an allergic microenvironment

“…We observed an allergic like response with higher expression of IL-5 and IL-13 than controls (Figure 4a -c ). 18,19 Consistent with a productive allergic response we found significantly higher activation of B-cells (Figure 4d) and increased levels of IgE (Figure 4e). B cell numbers were not different in IL-33 vs PBS treated mice ( Suppl Figure 2a ).…”

Gene expression in nasal lavage from hairdressers exposed to persulphate

“…Among the atopics in the present study, an increase in relative expression of IL5 and IL13, but no change in IFNG expression, was seen during provocation. This indicates that the atopics reacted with a Th2-related response (Till et al 1997) although they were not sensitised to persulphates.…”

“…This indicates that the atopics reacted with a Th2-related response (Till et al 1997) although they were not sensitised to persulphates.…”

“…Among the atopics in the present study, an increase in relative expression of IL5 and IL13, but no change in IFNG expression, was seen during provocation. This indicates that the atopics reacted with a Th2-related response (Till et al 1997) although they were not sensitised to persulphates.The limited numbers of individuals prevent us from drawing final conclusions regarding the mechanism behind the work-related bleaching powder-associated symptoms and we suggest further studies. This study indicates that nasal lavage can be used in order to analyse gene expression, however, on a limited number of genes.…”

Cytokine Responses to Allergens during the First Two Years of Life in Estonian and Swedish Children

“…The early immunoglobulin (Ig)E responses to allergens are eventually down regulated in infants who remain non-allergic, whereas they reach higher and more persistent levels in those who develop allergy [2]. Atopic diseases are generally characterised by excessive T-helper (Th)2-like immunity to allergens, with high production of interleukin (IL)-4 [3,4], IL-5 [4,5], IL-9 [4] and IL-13 [4,6], accompanied by decreased [3] or similar [4][5][6] production of interferon (IFN)-γ. Although allergen specific Th1-like immune responses are present in healthy individuals, IFN-γ associated delayed type hypersensitivity is not observed.…”