the modulatory effects of interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma production by t-helper cells on ige synthesis in children with atopic disease

interleukin-4 (il-4) is produced by t-helper cells type 2 (th2) and induces ige synthesis. t-helper cells type 1 (th1) produce interferon-gamma (ifn-gamma) which suppresses th2 and reduces il-4 induced ige production. in this :;tudy , we demonstrated that the levels of specific ige in the serum of atopic children (n=20) were elevated while il-4 production was increased and ifn-gamma secretion was reduced, compared to those of control group. inter!eukin-4-induced ige synthesis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of atopic children in vitro was blocked in the presence of ifn-gamma. in addition, levels of soluble cd23-which is specifically induced by il-4 were significantly elevated in our atopic patients. the data indicate that enhanced production of il-4 and lowered ifn-gamma secretion by t-helper cells correlate with the elevated specific ige levels in the serum of atopic children.