Expression of IL4 (VNTR intron 3) and IL10 (-627) genes polymorphisms in childhood immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Objective: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disorder caused by the production of antiplatelet antibodies. These autoantibodies opsonize platelets for splenic clearance, resulting in low levels of circulating platelets. Interleukin 4 (IL4) and interleukin 10 (IL10) are important immunoregulatory cytokines mainly produced by macrophages, monocytes, T cells, B cells, and mast cells.