Interferon-gamma and IL-10 may protect from allergic polysensitization in children: preliminary evidence.
BACKGROUND
A functional defect of T regulatory cells (Treg) has been proposed as pathogenic mechanism of allergic reaction. Polysensitization is a common feature of allergic patients.


OBJECTIVE
It was to investigate the possible role of Treg-Th1 cytokines, in the development of new sensitizations in childhood.


METHODS
Forty monosensitized (MS) children with allergic rhinitis were evaluated and followed-up for 2 years. New sensitizations were investigated. IL-10 and IFN-gamma were evaluated in in vitro experiments.


RESULTS
Children remaining MS showed significant higher production of both IL-10 and IFN-gamma.


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary study provided evidence that IL-10 and IFN-gamma production could be defective in allergic children prone to develop polysensitization.
Prigione
I
I
Laboratory of Oncology, DIMI, University of Genoa-Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, Viale Benedetto XV 6, Genoa, Italy.
Morandi
F
F
Tosca
M A
MA
Silvestri
M
M
Pistoia
V
V
Ciprandi
G
G
Rossi
G A
GA
D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008297:Male; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D015854:Up-Regulation
D016207:Cytokines; D016753:Interleukin-10; D007371:Interferon-gamma