IN-VITRO PRODUCTION OF CYTOKINES BY PERIPHERAL-BLOOD MONONUCLEAR-CELLS FROM HYDATID PATIENTS

The role of cytokines in human hydatidosis (Echinococcus granulosus in fection) was evaluated in immunoassays determining production of IL-4, IL-10 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in peripheral blood mononuclea r cell (PBMC) cultures from 30 hydatid patients and 14 uninfected cont rols. In cell cultures from hydatid patients parasite and non-parasite antigen stimulation significantly increased IL-4 production (P less t han or equal to 0.005). Spontaneous and mitogen-driven IL-4 production was similar in patients and controls. IL-10 and IFN-gamma production did not differ statistically in the two groups, even though some hydat id patients produced these cytokines in large amounts. Notably, antige n-driven IFN-gamma concentrations were invariably higher in patients t han in uninfected controls. Data analysis showed a relationship betwee n IgE and IgG4 responses and parasite-driven cytokine production. High IgE and IgG4 responders produced high IL-4 and IL-10 concentrations. High IgE responders showed decreased IFN-gamma production, but high Ig G4 responders had IFN-gamma levels slightly higher than those of low r esponders. Cytokine response patterns did not relate to the clinical s tage of disease. The significantly increased IL-4 and the high IL-10 c oncentrations found in PBMC from many hydatid patients in this study a re consistent with Th2 cell activation in human hydatidosis. The prese nce of antigen-driven IFN-gamma production inpatients with E. granulos us infection implies concurrent intervention of the Th1 or Th0 cell su bset.