Allergen specific induction of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of latex allergic patients

Abstract

and Chemokines in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Latex Allergic Patients M. Lehto1, K. Palosuo2, A. Kotovuori3, E. Varjonen2, S. Lehtimaki1, M. Majuri1, T. Reunala4, N. Kalkkinen3, T. Palosuo5, H. Alenius1; 1Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, FINLAND, 2Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, FINLAND, 3Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FINLAND, 4Tampere University and University Hospital, Tampere, FINLAND, 5National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, FINLAND. RATIONALE: IgE responses and skin reactivity against the two major natural rubber latex (NRL) allergens, Hev b6.01 and Hev b5, have been extensively studied previously. In the present study we examined cellular responses to Hev b6.01 and Hev b5 in NRL-allergic patients and controls. METHODS: Hev b6.01 and Hev b5 were purified under non-denaturating conditions using chromatographic methods. Allergen specific IgE antibodies were measured by ELISA. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated and their proliferation was examined. Allergen specific cytokine and chemokine mRNA production of PBMC were measured by real-time PCR. RESULTS: More than 70% of the patients had positive skin prick test reactions and IgE antibodies against Hev b6.01, but less than 40% of the patients responded to Hev b5. Proliferation of PBMC against Hev b6.01, but not against Hev b5, was significantly enhanced in NRL-allergic patients compared to controls. There were no significant differences in the levels of Th1 or Th2 cytokines between patients and controls after allergen stimulation. However, stimulation with Hev b6.01 and Hev b5 elicited significantly stronger induction of TNF, IL-12p40 and MIP-1 mRNA in NRL-allergic patients compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Allergen specific induction of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in circulating mononuclear cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of latex allergy. Funding: Finnish Institute of Occupational Health