TH1/TH2 balance in concomitant immediate and delayed-type hypersensitivity diseases

In spite of the observation of mutual inhibitory properties of TH1 and TH2 CD4+ cells, a group of patients developed simultaneously immediate and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions that are theoretically antagonistic. Patients presenting concomitant hypersensitivity reactions were evaluated for cytokine production.PBMC from 45 patients and 13 non-atopic individuals were cultured with mite allergen and mitogen and the supernatants obtained were evaluated for cytokine production by ELISA.The analysis of the cytokines levels revealed increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in the non-atopic individuals after specific and mitogen stimulus. The IL-4 was largely observed on serum samples and IL-5 levels were higher in the double sensitized group (group DerpNi) after PHA stimulus. The IL-13 levels were increased in sensitized groups (Derp and DerpNi groups) after PHA stimuli. Atopic patients (Derp and DerpNi groups) presented lowest levels IFN-γ and the analysis of TGF-β production after rDER P I stimulation have shown increased levels among sensitized patients to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus mite. IL-10 levels did not differ after antigen stimulation but basal production was higher on Derp and DerpNi groups. Furthermore, negative correlations were observed between IFN-γ levels and IL-4, IL-13 and IL-10.This study has shown patients able to react, concomitantly, to the two types of antigens – rDER P I and NiSO4, present distinct pattern of cytokine production. The increased levels of IL-13 in the sensitive individuals to mite antigen (rDER P I) and IFN-γ in NiSO4 sensitized individuals confirm the role of the type TH2 response in the atopies and TH1 type in DCA.