The effect of BCG-PSN on T-cell subsets and cytokines in vernal conjunctivitis

Abstract

The effects of BCG-PSN on T-cell subsets and cytokines in vernal conjunctivitis were observed. The level of total IgE was quantitatively determined before and after treatment with BCG-PSN by allergen diagnostic instrumentin vitro. The content of T-cell subsets of peripheral blood and cytokine were determined by using indirect immune fluorescence method, and IL-4 and INF-γ were quantified by ELISA. The results showed that the level of total IgE was substantially reduced (P<0.01) after treatment in the BCG-PSN group. Meanwhile, CD₈⁺ was decreased, CD₄⁺ and CD₄⁺ and CD₄⁺/CD₈⁺ ratio elevated with significant differences (P<0.05) as compared with pre-treatment results. The changes in total IgE, CD₈⁺, CD₄⁺ and CD₄⁺/CD₈⁺ ratio after treatment also presented significant differences (P<0.05) between BCG-PSN group and routine treatment group. The level of IL-4 in serum declined (P<0.05) after treatment in the BCG-PSN group, and INF-γ went up (P<0.05). IL-4 and INF-γ in serum showed significant differences (P<0.05) between two groups after treatment. It is concluded that BCG-PSN has a bi-directional immunoregulating effect. It can bring CD₄⁺ and CD₈⁺ into homeostasis, thereby preventing the occurrence of anaphylaxis. At the same time, BCG-PSN can restrain Th₂, decrease the synthesis of IL-4, switch the balance of Th₁/Th₂ to Th₁ side, boost up the predominance of Th₁ relatively, which is propitious to perennial stabilization and recovery of vernal conjunctivitis.

Keywords

BCG-PSN / vernal conjunctivitis / T-cell subsets / cytokine

References

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