Enhanced in vivo IgE production and T cell polarization toward the type 2 phenotype in association with indoor exposure to VOC: results of the LARS study.
The association between indoor exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC), prevalence of allergic sensitization and cytokine secretion profile of peripheral T cells was studied in 3 year old children of the LARS study (Leipzig Allergy Risk Children Study) to investigate the role of VOC exposure as a risk factor for the development of atopic disease. Indoor VOC exposure was measured over a period of 4 weeks in infants' bedrooms using a passive sampling system. Specific IgE antibodies to food, indoor and outdoor allergens were measured by the Pharmacia CAP system and correlated to VOC exposure (n = 120). In addition, cytokine producing peripheral T cells (interleukin(IL)-4, interferon(IFN)-gamma) were measured in a subgroup of 28 children by means of intracellular cytokine staining. For the first time we were able to show that exposure to alkanes (C6, C9, C10) and aromatic compounds (toluene, o-xylene, m + p-xylene, 2-, 3- and 4-ethyl-toluene, chlorobenzene) may contribute to the risk of allergic sensitization to the food allergens milk and egg white (Odds ratios between 5.7 and 11.2). Moreover, significantly reduced numbers of CD3+/CD8+ peripheral T cells were found in children exposed to alkanes (C9-C13), naphthalene and chlorobenzene. Exposure to benzene, ethylbenzene and chlorobenzene was associated with higher percentages of IL-4 producing CD3+ T cells. Both an increase in IL-4 producing type 2 T cells and a reduction of IFN-gamma producing type 1 T cells may contribute to a type 2 skewed memory in response to allergens. Therefore, we suggest exposure to VOCs in association with allergic sensitization to be mediated by a T cell polarization toward the type 2 phenotype.
Lehmann
I
I
UFZ-Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Department of Human Exposure Research and Epidemiology, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany. ilehmann@expo.ufz.de
Rehwagen
M
M
Diez
U
U
Seiffart
A
A
Rolle-Kampczyk
U
U
Richter
M
M
Wetzig
H
H
Borte
M
M
Herbarth
O
O
D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016764:Cell Polarity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008297:Male; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010641:Phenotype; D012307:Risk Factors; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D014835:Volatilization
D016207:Cytokines; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D007073:Immunoglobulin E