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  • Title: Th2 cytokine role in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) pathogenesis.
    Author: Toriani-Terenzi C, Fagiolo E.
    Journal: Panminerva Med; 2001 Mar; 43(1):1-5. PubMed ID: 11319510.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: AIHA is characterised by the destruction of antibody-coated red blood cells, but the mechanism that initiates the production of autoantibodies remains unclear. We have studied the proliferative response and the spontaneous and mitogen-induced (PHA and OKT3) synthesis of IFN-g, IL-2 and IL-4 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with AIHA before any treatment to investigate the activation of Th1 and Th2 subsets. METHODS: Thirteen AIHA patients, both idiopathic and associated with other diseases, were studied by ELISA methods and H3 thymidine incorporation to determine in vitro cytokine production and T cell proliferative response, respectively. RESULTS: Under basal conditions the proliferative response induced in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was enhanced in AIHA patients suggesting a basal state of hyperactivation. This increase in proliferative response can be related to the basal enhanced levels of IL-2 (p<0.04), a key cytokine, that regulates the growth, differentiation and function of lymphocytes. High IL-2 levels in AIHA patients supernatants, with or without OKT3 stimulation, justify the high basal activation of T lymphocytes. Under basal conditions levels of IFN-g are decreased and IL-4 levels are increased. CONCLUSIONS: AIHA is characterised by the destruction of antibody-coated red blood cells, but the mechanism that initiates the production of autoantibodies remains unclear. But looking to this data it is possible to suppose that there is a prevalent contribution of Th2 lymphocytes to the pathogenesis of AIHA.
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