[Expression of transcription factors T-bet/GATA-3 mRNA and its effect on Tc1/Tc2 balance in asthmatic children].

Objective: In contrast to CD(4)(+) helper T-lymphocytes (T(H)), little is known about the transcriptional regulation of CD(8)(+) cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (Tc) and its role in the pathogenesis of asthma is unclear. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of T-bet and GATA-3 mRNA expression on profiles of type 1 and type 2 cytotoxic T lymphocytes in asthmatic children.

Method: Totally 38 asthmatic children, including acute attack group composed of 20 cases (age 3 - 13 years, mean 6.