title: Cytokine production of RSV/PHA-stimulated tonsillar mononuclear cells: influences of age and atopy.
abstract: Links between immune responses to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), age and atopic sensitisation are poorly understood. This study investigated the induction of target organ type-1, type-2 and proinflammatory cytokine responses to RSV and/or phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) in tonsillar mononuclear cells from children, in relation to age and atopic status. In comparison with the control medium, RSV induced production of the type-1 cytokines interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-18, the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, -8 and RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted), but not any of the type-2 cytokines IL-4, -5, -10 and -13. Induction of IL-6, -8 and RANTES, but not IFN-gamma or IL-18, were shown to be dependent on virus replication. PHA induced all except IL-12, -13, and -15. Induction of IFN-gamma, IL-6, -8, and RANTES was significantly increased in atopic children. Induction of both IFN-7 and IL-4 increased in parallel in relation to age, with no change in the IFN-gamma:IL-4 ratio. These data are compatible with the hypothesis that immature type-1 immunity during early childhood plays a role in both respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis and in its relationship with atopy.
authors.affiliation: University Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ichinohe
authors.forename: I R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Hussain
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Johnston
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000821:virology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000187:drug effects / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000187:drug effects / Q000821:virology*; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology; D018113:Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins