Soluble human leucocyte antigen-G and interleukin-10 levels in isocyanate-induced asthma.
BACKGROUND
We previously reported that in moderate-to-severe asthma there is a deficit of IL-10 secretion that could prevent the production of soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G), a non-classical human leucocyte antigen class I molecule with tissue-protective properties in inflammatory responses.


OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to investigate the production of sHLA-G and the secretion of IL-10 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in asthma induced by isocyanates and to compare the results with those obtained in non-occupational allergic asthma.


METHODS
sHLA-G and IL-10 were measured by ELISA in the culture supernatants of unstimulated or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated PBMCs obtained from 20 subjects with isocyanate asthma, 16 asymptomatic subjects exposed to isocyanates, 18 subjects with non-occupational allergic asthma, and 26 healthy control subjects.


RESULTS
Occupational exposure to isocyanates was associated with high baseline levels of secretion of IL-10 by PBMCs, whether or not the exposed subjects had asthmatic symptoms. However, spontaneous production of sHLA-G by PBMC was significantly higher in subjects with isocyanate asthma compared with asymptomatic-exposed controls. In contrast, PBMCs from subjects with non-occupational allergic asthma produced sHLA-G only after LPS stimulation.


CONCLUSIONS
sHLA-G production and IL-10 secretion are influenced by workplace exposure to isocyanates and by development of asthma. The different behaviour of both sHLA-G and IL-10 in asthma induced by isocyanates compared with non-occupational allergic asthma suggests a heterogeneous biological role for HLA-G molecules and for IL-10, a key cytokine of immune and inflammatory responses.
Mapp
C E
CE
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Hygiene and Occupational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
Ferrazzoni
S
S
Rizzo
R
R
Miotto
D
D
Stignani
M
M
Boschetto
P
P
Maestrelli
P
P
Baricordi
O R
OR
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D017953:Isocyanates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000276:immunology*
D006680:HLA Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D017953:Isocyanates; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D016753:Interleukin-10