Reduced interferon-gamma secretion in neonates and subsequent atopy.
Low interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) secretion has been found in individuals with active atopic disease. Whether this is a cause or result of the disease process is uncertain. Cord blood IFN-gamma secretion was examined in 35 neonates who were then prospectively followed up for 1 year for the development of atopic disease. Infants who developed either symptoms of atopic disease or a positive IgE-mediated skin prick test at 12 months of age produced significantly less IFN-gamma at birth compared with those who did not (p = 0.005). This reduced secretion of IFN-gamma at birth indicates that the defect in interferon secretion is a primary component of the atopic state rather than an effect of the disease process.
Tang
M L
ML
Department of Immunology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Kemp
A S
AS
Thorburn
J
J
Hill
D J
DJ
D001942:Breast Feeding; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000502:physiology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000378:metabolism; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012882:Skin Tests
D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D007371:Interferon-gamma