Cytokine patterns invitro, in particular IL-5/IL-8 ratio, to detect patients with nickel contact allergy

Summer, B.; Staender, S. and Thomas, P. (2018): Cytokine patterns invitro, in particular IL-5/IL-8 ratio, to detect patients with nickel contact allergy. In: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Vol. 32, No. 9: pp. 1542-1548

Abstract

Background: Patch test (PT) is the gold standard to reveal nickel (Ni) allergy. In vitro tests are under discussion. We aimed to establish a cytokine based invitro assay to detect Ni sensitization. Methods: From 15 patients with positive (13f, 42-78years) and 15 with negative PT to Ni (controls, 3f, 31-82years) within a consecutive patient series, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained. Six-day stimulation with three concentrations of NiSO4 was performed. Proliferative response (uptake of tritiated thymidine) and production of the cytokines IL-1, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, TNF-, IFN- (cytometric bead array) were assessed. Results: Twelve of fifteen Ni PT-positive patients also had positive LTT, and all control patients were PT and LTT negative. The mean SI differed between Ni allergics and controls (P<0.01). Upon Ni stimulation, PBMC of the allergic patients showed (i) enhanced IL-5 response (P<0.0001) and (ii) reduced IL-8 production (P<0.01). The IL-5/IL-8-ratio best distinguished allergics from non-allergics in all three Ni concentrations with a sensitivity and specificity of 93%. Conclusion: Assessment of the ratio of Ni-induced IL-5 and reduced IL-8 production invitro is a helpful tool for a better characterization of Ni-allergic patients.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Medicine
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 0926-9959
• Language: English