In childhood asthma the degree of allergen-induced T-lymphocyte proliferation is related to serum IgE levels and to blood eosinophilia

Objective: To investigate whether the state of activation of circulating T- cells in childhood asthma could be related to serum IgE levels and/or to bl ood eosinophilia. Methods: Seventeen atopic asthmatic children, sensitized to Dermatophagoide s pteronyssinus (Der p), in stable condition at the time of the study and 1 5 sex-matched and age-matched controls were studied The expression of activ ation surface markers (HLA-DR and CD25) on peripheral blood mononuclear cel ls (PBMCs) was tested by monoclonal antibodies and FACS analysis, while the PBMC proliferative response to Der p antigens was measured by tritiated th ymidine ((3)HTdR) incorporation. Results: As compared to controls, atopic children showed higher eosinophil counts (P < .01), similar lymphocyte counts (P > .1, each comparison) but h igher proportion of HLA-DR+ and CD25+ T-lymphocytes (P < .05, each comparis on). A significant Der p allergen-induced PBMC proliferation was observed i n atopic children (P < .01) but not in controls (P > .1). Both in controls and in atopic children, no correlations were found between lymphocyte count s and eosinophil counts or total or allergen-specific IgE levels (P > .1, e ach comparison). In contrast, weak correlations were detected between the d egree of allergen-induced PBMC proliferation and: a) allergen-specific IgE levels in serum (P <. 05) and b) eosinophil counts (P (.05). Conclusion: These data support the concept that the degree of activation of allergen-specific T-lymphocytes in blood may reflect the intensity of alle rgic sensitization in childhood asthma.