DERMATOPHAGOIDES FARINAE-SENSITIZED LYMPHOCYTES IN ASTHAMTIC CHILDREN AS EVALUATED BY INTERLEUKIN-2 (IL-2) PRODUCTION AND ACQUISITION OF IL-2 RESPONSIVENESS

Abstract

In order to detect the presence of lymphocytes specifically sensitized to Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) antigen in asthmatic children, induction of interleukin 2 (IL-2) production and IL-2 responsiveness of the lymphocytes by stimulation with Df antigen and a mitogen was studied. IL-2 responsiveness and IL-2 production of the peripheral blood lymphocytes stimulated with PHA were almost the same in asthmatic children and normal healthy adults. IL-2 responsiveness and IL-2 production of the peripheral blood lymphocytes stimulated with Df were elicited in asthmatic children but not in healthy adults. The induction of IL-2 responsiveness by Df stimulation was observed only the children who showed RAST and skin test positive for Df. Therefore, it seemed to be an antigen specific phenomenon. These data showed that the lymphocytes of asthmatic children are sensitized by Df antigen and sensitization can be abrogated by immunotherapy.