Cellular (Th1-type) immune response is centrally involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Within the immunological cascades of Th1-type immunity, interferon (IFN-), among other cytokines, is critically involved. It triggers a series of immune-relevant reactions mostly directed towards forward regulation of the antigen specific immune response. However, in chronic states of immune activation, systemically increased IFN-gamma is no longer antigen specific and is associated with the development of immunodeficiency. IFN-gamma also stimulates the production of neopterin, a low-mass compound, in human monocytes/macrophages. Accordingly, neopterin concentrations in humans reflect the degree of Th1-type immune activation. Since IFN-gamma also stimulates the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from immunocompetents cells, the amount of neopterin produced also serves as an indirect estimate of oxidative stress. In parallel, IFN-gamma activates the degradation of tryptophan, which appears to limit the growth of intracellular pathogens and the proliferation of cells, including T lymphocytes. Thus, during persisting states of immune activation, the production of IFN-gamma is not only associated with forward regulation of the immune response, but also with immunosuppressive mechanisms. The increased formation of neopterin and degradation of tryptophan may result in a drecreased T cell responsiveness and development of immunodeficiency.
The first stage of systemic inflammatory response during sepsis and septic shock is the massive production of proinflammatory cytokines. Numerous clinical trials were done investigating various agents that were thought to stop this reaction. The results, however, were disappointing. Then it was realised that massive production of antiinflammatory cytokines could also be delirious. Persistent immunosupression in the course of sepsis increaased the risk of death. Therefore the proper balance between pro- and antiinflammatory mediators is extremely important and the methodologies available for monitoring immunological status in patients with sepsis and septic shock are currently of great interest.
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