Interleukin-27 inhibits helper T cell type-2 response in allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE

Interleukin-27 (IL-27) is a recently identified cytokine which plays both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effect in different diseases. However, its function in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) was not clear so far.

METHODS

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to detect the expression of interleukin 27 (IL-27) and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) from 22 patients diagnosed with AR and 20 normal controls. Purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were prepared for in vitro experiment.

RESULTS

Serum mRNA and protein levels of IL-27 were down-regulated in AR patients compared with normal controls. The expression of IL-27 showed negative correlation with Th2 cytokines. In vitro study showed that IL-27 significantly inhibited Th2 cytokines expression from PBMCs.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that decreased IL-27 expression in AR were correlated with Th2 response. IL-27 may be used as potential target in the future treatment of AR.