Evaluation of CD25, CD152, Fas-ligand expression in the adenoids of allergic and non-allergic children: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
The nasal mucosa is the initial site in the upper airways of the host defence against antigen challenge. The lymphatic structure closest to the nasal mucosa is the adenoid. Apoptotic cell death is an important mechanism for maintaining homeostasis in the immune system, and for regulating the fates of lymphocytes following encounters with self and foreign antigens. This process regulates the population of lymphocytes in peripheral lymphoid organs following exposure to various allergens.


OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to find evidence for the hypothesis that the development of allergic illness depends on allergic sensitisation in the adenoid.


METHODS
In this study, cellular infiltrates in the adenoids of 12 allergic and 13 non-allergic children were evaluated. The number of positive cells for CD4, CD8, CD25, CD152, and Fas-ligand were determined using immunohistochemical stainings and imaging analysis techniques.


RESULTS
There was found a higher expression of CD25, CD152 and Fas-ligand in small, activated lymphocytes, especially in the interfollicular area of allergic patients than in the control group. The expression of FasL in activated lymphocytes, as well as in macrophages, was observed. Statistical analysis has shown a significant correlation between expression of CD152 and allergic disease, and a more intense correlation between CD25, CD152 and Fas-ligand and allergic disease. There was no statistically important divergence in the CD4/CD8 ratio in different samples.
Zakrzewska
Anna
A
Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Medical University of Lodz, Sporna 36/50, 91-738 Lodz, Poland.
Kobos
Józef
J
Gryczyńska
Danuta
D
D000234:Adenoids / Q000276:immunology*; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D015703:Antigens, CD; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000276:immunology*; D060908:CTLA-4 Antigen; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000276:immunology*; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000276:immunology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000276:immunology*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000276:immunology*
D000485:Allergens; D015703:Antigens, CD; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D060908:CTLA-4 Antigen; C556706:CTLA4 protein, human; C505661:FASLG protein, human; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2