TH1/TH2 balance in concomitant immediate and delayed-type hypersensitivity diseases.

In spite of the observation of mutual inhibitory properties of TH1 and TH2 CD4+ cells, a group of patients developed simultaneously immediate and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions that are theoretically antagonistic. Patients presenting concomitant hypersensitivity reactions were evaluated for cytokine production. PBMC from 45 patients and 13 non-atopic individuals were cultured with mite allergen and mitogen and the supernatants obtained were evaluated for cytokine production by ELISA.