SERUM LEVELS OF SOLUBLE IL-2R, CD4 AND CD8 IN BRONCHIAL-ASTHMA

THE aim of the present study was to compare serum levels of soluble fo rms of interleukin-2 receptor, CD4 and CD8, released by lymphocytes du ring activation of the immune system, in patients with allergic bronch ial asthma, with those in healthy subjects. Significantly higher level s of soluble IL-2R and soluble CD4 were found in patients with asthma compared with the control group. In contrast, lower levels of soluble CD8 values were found in patients with asthma compared to the control group. Significant correlations were found for both sIL-2R and sCD4 an d these two molecules, with lung function measured as bronchial respon siveness to inhaled methacholine. These results strengthen previous su ggestions that in allergic bronchial asthma, activation of T cells pla ys a significant role in the disease pathogenesis.