Chemotaxis of human CD4+eosinophils

We reviewed the biological functions of CD4+ eosinophils, which are observe d in peripheral blood, sputum and bronchoalveotar lavage fluid of various d iseases. We have shown that CD4 molecules on human eosinophils are induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) stimulation. Interleukin-16 (IL- 16) has been reported to bind a natural soluble ligand for the CD4 molecule . We reported that TNF-alpha -stimulated eosinophils migrate in a time- and dose-dependent manner against IL-16. Theophylline and dexamethasone signif icantly inhibited CD4 expression. Theophylline inhibited CD4+ eosinophil ch emotaxis, but dexamethasone did not. Theophylline may prevent airway inflam mation by downregulating the expression of CD4 molecule and CD4+ eosinophil migration. However, dexamethasone may inhibit airway inflammation through the downregulation of CD4 expression. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Base l.