Hyperimmunoglobin E syndrome: a sign of TH1/TH2 imbalance?

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Hyperimmunoglobin E syndrome: a sign of TH1/TH2 imbalance?

Eur J Dermatol. 1999 Mar;9(2):129-31. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/99167710
Shirafuji Y; Matsuura H; Sato A; Kanzaki H; Katayama H; Arata J; Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Medical School,; Shikata-cho 2-5-1, Okayama 700-8558, Japan.

Abstract: We report on a patient with hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome, who developed pruritic vesiculopapules from the age of six months and also had recurrent episodes of skin abscesses and oral thrush. Serum IgE was extremely elevated at 59,514 IU/ml and specific IgE antibody to Staphylococcus aureus was positive. Histological examination from a vesiculopapule on the face revealed that eosinophil-rich infiltration involved hair follicles, similar to eosinophilic pustular folliculitis. We also examined cytokine profiles of circulating CD4+ T cells by intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry. The ratio of cells positive for interferon-gamma was significantly reduced compared with a control. Several reports have shown decreased interferon-gamma production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome. We think that this cytokine profile and the histological findings of our patient support the hypothesis that TH1/TH2 imbalance is involved in hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome.

Keywords: JOURNAL ARTICLE Case Report Child, Preschool Cytokines/ANALYSIS CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/METABOLISM Flow Cytometry Human Interferon Type II/ANALYSIS Job's Syndrome/*ETIOLOGY/IMMUNOLOGY Male Th1 Cells/*IMMUNOLOGY Th2 Cells/*IMMUNOLOGY
990730
A9971154

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1999. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .