Increase in CD23+ B cells in infants with bronchiolitis is accompanied by appearance of IgE and IgG4 antibodies specific for respiratory syncytial virus.

Abstract

Infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may induce asthma-like symptoms and RSV-specific IgE in infected infants as a result of Th2-like response to RSV. The effect of RSV infection on the expression of B cell antigens CD21 and CD23, putative participants in Th2 responses, was investigated. Samples from bronchiolitic infants (n = 19) were tested by three-color immunofluorescence flow cytometry during the acute phase of infection and 4-6 weeks later. In 6 of 10 RSV-positive infants, the percentage of CD23+ B cells was higher than in 9 RSV-negative children and in controls. Both CD21+ and CD21- B cells exhibited a higher percentage of CD23. The group with increased expression of CD23 antigen had RSV-specific IgE and IgG4 antibodies. These findings corroborate the hypothesis that RSV could provoke a Th2-type response, but the relationship between CD23 antigen and RSV infection must be determined.

• Authors: S Rabatić, A Gagro, R Lokar-Kolbas, V Krsulović-Hresić, Z Vrtar, T Popow-Kraupp, V Drazenović, G Mlinarić-Galinović
• Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases (J Infect Dis) Vol. 175 Issue 1 Pg. 32-7 (Jan 1997) ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8985193 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Viral
• Immunoglobulin G
• Receptors, Complement 3d
• Receptors, IgE
• Immunoglobulin E

Topics

• Antibodies, Viral (blood)
• B-Lymphocyte Subsets (immunology)
• Bronchiolitis, Viral (immunology)
• Female
• Flow Cytometry
• Fluorescent Antibody Technique
• Humans
• Immunoglobulin E (blood)
• Immunoglobulin G (blood)
• Infant
• Lymphocyte Count
• Male
• Receptors, Complement 3d (blood)
• Receptors, IgE (blood)
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections (immunology)
• Respiratory Syncytial Viruses (immunology)