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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

The Elevated Interferon Gamma Production is an Important Immunological Marker in HAM/TSP Pathogenesis

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Author(s):
Montanheiro, P. A. [1] ; Penalva de Oliveira, A. C. [2] ; Smid, J. [2] ; Fukumori, L. M. I. [1] ; Olah, I. [1] ; Duarte, A. J. da S. [1] ; Casseb, J. [2, 3, 1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Dept Dermatol, Lab Dermatol & Imunodedeficiencias, LIM 56, BR-05403000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Inst Infectol Emilio Ribas, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, IMTSP, BR-05403000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Scandinavian Journal of Immunology; v. 70, n. 4, p. 403-407, OCT 2009.
Web of Science Citations: 26
Abstract

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the agent of the HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), which may Occur in > 5% of patients during their lifetime. HTLV-1-infection causes disturbances in the immune system, and the viral load may also play an important role in the pathogenesis of HAM/TSP. Some cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder. We have determined IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 p70, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha production among HTLV-1-infected subjects from our HTLV-out Clinic in Institute of Infectious `Emilio Ribas' in Sao Paulo city, Brazil. PBMC obtained from healthy controls (n = 32), asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers (n = 68) and HAM/TSP patients (n = 44) were grown in the absence and in the presence of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), and the supernatants' fluids were measured for cytokines production. IL-2 levels were increased in the a-symptomatic HTLV-1 carriers, and IFN-gamma was increased in both groups of patients (asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers and more significantly among HAM/TSP patients). IL-4, IL-10, TNF-alpha and IL-12 p70 levels were not significantly increased on both groups of patients, as compared with controls. The major finding Of this Study is that IFN-gamma was an important cytokine for the HAM/TSP pathogenesis. Therefore, immune modulation of IFN-gamma may be critical to treat of HAM/TSP patients. (AU)