T-helper and T-cytotoxic cell subsets monitoring during active cytomegalovirus infection in liver transplantation

Transplant Proc. 2004 Jun;36(5):1498-9. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2004.05.032.

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of this study was to analyze the peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets of the Th1-related versus Th2-related cytokines of CD4+ cells, and the Tc1 versus Tc2 cytokines of CD8+ cells liver transplant recipients with versus without active cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.

Methods: Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were stimulated using PMA/Ionomycin/Monensin. Interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production by CD4+ and CD8+T cells were determined using fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis.

Results: The ratios of CD4/CD8 were significantly lower among active CMV-infected patients. The levels of Th2 and Tc2 cytokines (IL-4) were similar between CMV-infected and uninfected patients. However, the levels of Th1-type and Tc1-type cytokines (IFN-r) were significantly lower among active CMV-infected patients.

Conclusions: Low levels of Th1-type cytokines seem to correlate with active CMV infection in liver transplant recipients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / immunology*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Liver Transplantation / immunology*
  • Male
  • Monitoring, Immunologic / methods
  • Postoperative Complications / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Immunosuppressive Agents