title: Cytokines and their role in the pathogenesis of severe food hypersensitivity reactions.
abstract: Cytokines are proteins produced by one cell that are capable of altering the behavior of another cell. Their biologic effects are both pleomorphic and redundant. A number of cytokines have been implicated in the genesis of allergic reactions, including IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). In contrast, other cytokines such as gamma interferon (gamma-IFN) may have biologic actions that act to limit allergic responses. In studies on patients with severe food allergy, we have found cytokine production from peripheral T cells to be abnormal following mitogenic stimulation. These lymphokine abnormalities may contribute to the elevation in IgE and the eosinophilia seen in severe food allergy.
authors.affiliation: Head, Mast Cell Physiology Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Jaffe
authors.forename: D D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Metcalfe
mesh_terms: D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines