IL-10, IFN-y AND TNF-a IN ACUTE AND CHRONIC HUMAN FASCIOLIASIS

The three cytokines, IL- 10 (Th2 prduct), IFN-y (TI] 1 product) and TNFa work in concert. The prcscnr work was undertake11 to study the level of these cytokines during the acute and chronic stages of human fascioliasis in an attempt to assess the iilvcllvement of TI11 and Th2 cells in regulation of the immune response in this diseasc. Sera of twcnty six FascioIa patients were obtiiined and divided into two groups: twelve witl~ acute and fourteen with chronic fascioliasis, sera of a corltrot group were studied simul~neously. During the acute stage, a sig~lific,mt increase was observed in IL-10, IFN-y as well as TNF-a and specific antibody ievel, In he chrorlic phase, a significant increase of L- 10 level was observed. IbW-y showed a lower level as compared to the acute stage but TNF-a was still high. Accordingly, in fascioliasis in the early phase of infection B cells, macrophages, Thl and Th2 cells were all activated. They cooperate in overcoming the parasite and work to the benefit of the host. With time and after maturation of the evading worms, Th2 action predominates. IL-TO (Tb2 cytukine) which is antdgonistic to IFN-y (Thl product) and consequently to TNF-a limits the immunopathology that may be caused by the latter.