Interleukin-4 and interferon- γ levels in Epstein-Barr virus-associated infectious mononucleosis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Dyah R Budiani, Sofya M Haryana, Wihaskoro Sosroseno

Abstract


  • BACKGROUND: Cytokines have been suggested to participate in the pathogenesis of infectious mononucleosis (IM) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
  • METHODS: Serum levels and gene expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were assessed by immunologic and PCR assays, respectively in patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated IM and NPC and EBV negative controls.
  • RESULTS: The serum levels of IFN- γ were elevated, but those of IL-4 were decreased in IM and NPC patients as compared with those of the control group (p < 0.05).
  • CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that serum levels of IFN-γ may be predominant over those of IL-4 during the course of IM and NPC.
  • KEYWORDS: Interferon-Gamma, Interleukin-4, Infectious Mononucleosis, Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms.

Keywords


IFN-, IL-4, Infectious mononucleosis, nasopharyngeal carcinoma

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