The influence of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 on IgE production in B lymphocytes of patients with atopic dermatitis. A possible criterion for selection of patients for interferon therapy.

Abstract

The regulation of IgE production in B lymphocytes of patients with atopic dermatitis by interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) was studied. IL-4 stimulated IgE production in vitro in B-cells of healthy donors and of children with atopic dermatitis, but had only a marginal effect on the high basal level of IgE production by lymphocytes from adult patients with atopic dermatitis. The addition of IFN-gamma prevented in all cases the stimulation of IgE synthesis induced by IL-4. The production of IgG and IgM was differently influenced. These results indicate that the in vitro production of IgE by mononuclear cells from adult patients is more resistant to the regulatory effects of IL-4 and IFN-gamma than is that in B cells of children with atopic dermatitis. We propose that a previous in vitro test of the responsiveness of IgE-producing B cells to IFN-gamma may be used to select patients with atopic dermatitis for treatment with IFN-gamma.

Characterization of High and Low IFNG-Expressing Subgroups in Atopic Dermatitis

“…Its main physiological task is the recognition of and defense against intracellular viruses and malignant cells [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. IFN-γ prevents the differentiation of T-helper (Th) 2 cells, IL-4-induced IgE production and the expression of IL-4R on keratinocytes, while in return type 2 cytokines suppress Th1 polarization [ 7 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Several studies proved the potential of IFN-γ to contribute to an impaired skin barrier by downregulating tight junctions or ceramide synthesis.…”