The Role of Cryptococcus in the Immune System of Pulmonary Cryptococcosis Patients.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To investigate the role of Cryptococcus in the immune system of immunocompetent patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) by analysing the dynamic changes of patients' immune status before and after antifungal therapy.

Methods

The level of the serum interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-2, -4, -10 and -12 was measured before and after 6-months of treatment. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 30 immunocompetent PC patients and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and incubated with recombinant human IL-12 (rhIL-12) for 48 h. Then the concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-4 in the supernatant were analysed.

Results

Baseline serum IFN-γ level was significantly lower in the PC patients as

SUBMITTER: Wang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4670196 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature