Expression of IL-18 mRNA and secretion of IL-18 are reduced in monocytes from patients with atopic dermatitis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

IL-18 has been found to be an IFN-gamma-inducing factor that plays an important role in T(H)1 cell activation. Recently, IL-18 has also been found to enhance a T(H)2 cellular response in a specific setting.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of monocytes and soluble factors, with special focus on IL-18, in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD).

METHODS:

The release of cytokines from PBMCs and purified monocytes was measured through use of ELISA; mRNA expression was evaluated by RT-PCR. The results from patients with AD were compared with those from healthy controls.

RESULTS:

IL-18 secretion was reduced in both unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocytes from patients with AD. The mRNA expression of IL-18 and IL-1 beta-converting enzyme was significantly reduced in unstimulated monocytes from patients with AD (P <.03 and P <.01, respectively). Patients with AD had an elevated secretion of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) from unstimulated PBMCs (P <.001). The anti-PGE(2) antibody reversed the suppressive effect of PGE(2) on IL-18 secretion in unstimulated PBMCs from patients with AD.

CONCLUSIONS:

Decreased IL-18 production, together with a significantly reduced IL-18 and ICE mRNA expression in unstimulated monocytes and elevated PGE(2) secretion from PBMCs, was associated with the pathogenesis of AD.

• Authors: N Higashi, B Gesser, S Kawana, K Thestrup-Pedersen
• Journal: The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology (J Allergy Clin Immunol) Vol. 108 Issue 4 Pg. 607-14 (Oct 2001) ISSN: 0091-6749 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11590389 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Cytokines
• Interleukin-1
• Interleukin-18
• Interleukin-8
• Lipopolysaccharide Receptors
• RNA, Messenger
• Interleukin-10
• Caspase 1
• Dinoprostone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Caspase 1 (biosynthesis)
• Cytokines (genetics, metabolism)
• Dermatitis, Atopic (etiology, immunology)
• Dinoprostone (metabolism)
• Female
• Humans
• Interleukin-1 (metabolism)
• Interleukin-10 (metabolism)
• Interleukin-18 (genetics, metabolism)
• Interleukin-8 (metabolism)
• Lipopolysaccharide Receptors (isolation & purification)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Monocytes (immunology)
• RNA, Messenger (biosynthesis)