Interferon‐gamma and IL‐10 may protect from allergic polysensitization in children: preliminary evidence

To cite this article: Prigione I, Morandi F, Tosca MA, Silvestri M, Pistoia V, Ciprandi G, Rossi GA. Interferon‐gamma and IL‐10 may protect from allergic polysensitization in children: preliminary evidence. Allergy 2010; 65: 740–742. Abstract Background: A functional defect of T regulatory cells (Treg) has been proposed as pathogenic mechanism of allergic reaction. Polysensitization is a common feature of allergic patients. Aim of the study: It was to investigate the possible role of Treg‐Th1 cytokines, in the development of new sensitizations in childhood. Methods: Forty monosensitized (MS) children with allergic rhinitis were evaluated and followed‐up for 2 years. New sensitizations were investigated. IL‐10 and IFN‐γ were evaluated in in vitro experiments. Results: Children remaining MS showed significant higher production of both IL‐10 and IFN‐γ. Conclusion: This preliminary study provided evidence that IL‐10 and IFN‐γ production could be defective in allergic children prone to develop polysensitization.