Effect of Malnutrition on the Expression of Cytokines Involved in Th1 Cell Differentiation
Open Access
- 19 February 2013
- Vol. 5 (2), 579-593
- https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5020579
Abstract
Malnutrition is a common cause of secondary immune deficiency and has been linked to an increased susceptibility to infection in humans. Malnutrition specifically affects T-cell-mediated immune responses. The aim of this study was to assess in lymphocytes from malnourished children the expression levels of IL-12, IL-18 and IL-21, molecules that induce the differentiation of T cells related to the immunological cellular response (Th1 response) and the production of cytokines related to the immunological cellular response (Th1 cytokines). We found that the expression levels of IL-12, IL-18 and IL-21 were significantly diminished in malnourished children compared to well-nourished children and were coincident with lower plasmatic levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ (Th1 cytokines). In this study, we show for the first time that the gene expression and intracellular production of cytokines responsible for Th1 cell differentiation (IL-12, IL-18 and IL-21) are diminished in malnourished children. As expected, this finding was related to lower plasmatic levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ. The decreased expression of Th1 cytokines observed in this study may contribute to the deterioration of the immunological Type 1 (cellular) response. We hypothesize that the decreased production of IL-12, IL-18 and IL-21 in malnourished children contributes to their inability to eradicate infections.Keywords
This publication has 26 references indexed in Scilit:
- Malnutrition and Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Infections in Children: A Public Health ProblemInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2011
- IL-2: A two-faced master regulator of autoimmunityJournal of Autoimmunity, 2011
- Malnutrition and Infection: Complex Mechanisms and Global ImpactsPLoS Medicine, 2007
- Immunomodulatory Effects of Anti-CD4 Antibody in Host Resistance against Infections and Tumors in Human CD4 Transgenic MiceInfection and Immunity, 2001
- CELLULAR RESPONSES TO INTERFERON-γAnnual Review of Immunology, 1997
- IL-12: a key cytokine in immune regulationImmunology Today, 1996
- IL-12-Deficient Mice Are Defective in IFNγ Production and Type 1 Cytokine ResponsesImmunity, 1996
- Lymphocyte responses and cytokinesCell, 1994
- Epidemiologic evidence for a potentiating effect of malnutrition on child mortality.American Journal of Public Health, 1993
- Cytokines in context.The Journal of cell biology, 1991