INVESTIGATION OF IMMUNE STATUS AND PRODUCTION CYTOKINE IN THE PATIENTS WITH ATOPIC AND MIXED-TYPE BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

We have performed immunophenotyping of lymphocytes, employing a flow cytometry approach, along with evaluation of spontaneous or mitogen-induced production of cytokines (IFNγ, IL-4, IL-1β, IL - 10), in the patients with atopic and bacterial (mixed-type) bronchial asthma. We have detected mostly similar changes in lymphocyte parameters. However, among the patients with bacterial asthma, an imbalance of immune cells was more pronounced. Some common alterations of cytokine production were found, i.e., a decrease in IFNγ and IL-1β production, along with increased IL-4 and IL-10. These changes were more significant in the subjects being in acute phase of either atopic, or bacterial asthma. Moreover, IL-10 suppressed IFNγ to higher degree, than IL-4, thus favoring distinct predomination of Th2-type immune response.