title: Interleukin-4 and interferon- γ levels in Epstein-Barr virus-associated infectious mononucleosis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cytokines have been suggested to participate in the pathogenesis of infectious mononucleosis (IM) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
  
  
  METHODS
  Serum levels and gene expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were assessed by immunologic and PCR assays, respectively in patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated IM and NPC and EBV nega-tive controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The serum levels of IFN- γ were elevated, but those of IL-4 were decreased in IM and NPC patients as compared with those of the control group (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that serum levels of IFN-γ may be predominant over those of IL-4 during the course of IM and NPC.
authors: Lecturer, Immunology Unit, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia.
authors: Dyah R
authors: DR
authors: Budiani
authors: Sofia M
authors: SM
authors: Haryana
authors: Wihaskoro
authors: W
authors: Sosroseno