Aspects of immunity in the treatment of bronchial asthma.
The two subsets of CD4+ lymphocytes, Th1 and Th 2 secrete two groups of antagonistic cytokines: IL-2/IFNgamma, secreted by the Th1, and IL -4/IL-5, secreted by the Th2 cells. In addition to its antiviral effect, IFNgamma activates phagocytosis, enhances expression of Fc gamma R and MHC antigens on different cell types, stimulates synthesis of IgG molecules, etc. Interleukin-4 induces expression of Fc epsilon R, activates synthesis of IgE antibodies, while IL-5 stimulates the migration of eosinophils towards the lung. Eosinophils and IgE molecules are considered the main factors inducing bronchial asthma. In order to down-regulate IL-4 and IL-5 synthesis and to block the asthmatic phenomena, treatment of patients by inoculation of IFNgamma instead of glucocorticoids seems to be more reasonable.
Olinescu
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A
Cantacuzino Institute, Bucharest.
D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000378:metabolism
D016207:Cytokines; D007371:Interferon-gamma