Expression of IL-12 and T helper cell 1 cytokines in the fluid of paranasal sinus mucoceles.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the expression of regulatory cytokines and T helper cell (Th)1/Th2 cytokines in paranasal sinus mucoceles.

Materials And Methods: Fluid samples of 12 paranasal sinus mucoceles were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for concentrations of regulatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-10 and IL-12), Th1 cytokines (IL-2 and interferon gamma), and Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-5).

Results: IL-12 was detected in all samples, whereas IL-10 was detected in only one case.

Histamine H4 receptor agonists have more activities than H4 agonism in antigen-specific human T-cell responses.

Histamine not only mediates immediate allergic reactions, it also regulates cellular immune responses. H4R is the most recently identified histamine receptor (HR). In the present study, we examined the in vitro effect of histamine and H4R agonists on the responses of human T cells to purified protein derivative from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (PPD) and to Cry j1, the major allergen of Cryptomeria japonica pollen.

TH1/TH2 and regulatory cytokines in adults with otitis media with effusion.

Objective: Otitis media with effusion is one of the most common and intractable ear diseases. However, the role of Th1, Th2, and immunoregulatory cytokines on the pathogenesis of the disease in adult patients remains to be determined. The aim of this study is to disclose the cytokine expression in middle ear effusions (MEEs) in adults and to compare the profile on the basis of the presence of allergic rhinitis and the type of effusions.

Presence and characterization of prostaglandin D2-related molecules in nasal mucosa of patients with allergic rhinitis.

Background: Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is the major prostanoid produced in the acute phase of allergic reactions. However, its pathophysiological role in addition to the pathway of production in allergic rhinitis remains unclear. We sought to determine the expression of synthases and receptors for PGD2 in human nasal mucosa.

E prostanoid 2 (EP2)/EP4-mediated suppression of antigen-specific human T-cell responses by prostaglandin E2.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a lipid mediator that displays important immunomodulatory properties, such as polarization of cytokine production by T cells. Recent investigations have revealed that the effect of PGE2 on cytokine production is greatly influenced by external stimuli; however, it is unclear whether PGE2 plays a significant role in major histocompatibility complex-mediated antigen-specific T-cell responses via binding to one of four subtypes of E prostanoid (EP) receptor alone or in combination. In the present study, we sought to determine the effect of PGE2 on antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell responses in humans, especially in terms of receptor specificity.

The engraftment of transplanted bone marrow-derived cells into the olfactory epithelium.

To investigate whether bone marrow cells migrate and are engrafted into the olfactory epithelium and differentiate into olfactory neurons, bone marrow cells of green fluorescence protein (GFP) mice were transplanted into lethally irradiated recipient mice. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate the engraftment of donor bone marrow cells into the olfactory epithelium. Immunostaining for GFP was found initially in the olfactory epithelium 2 weeks after bone marrow reconstruction.

Roles of FcgammaRIIB in nasal eosinophilia and IgE production in murine allergic rhinitis.

The low-affinity IgG Fc receptor, FcgammaRIIB, displays inhibitory potential in experimental models such as autoimmune diseases. However, whether this receptor is involved in the onset of allergic diseases remains unknown. This study examines the role of FcgammaRIIB in the initiation of allergic rhinitis in mice.