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IL-10 polymorphism and cell-mediated immune response to Chlamydia trachomatis

Genes & Immunity volume 7, pages 243–249 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Chlamydia trachomatis infection induces an inflammatory response that is crucial in resolving acute infection but may also play a key role in the pathogenesis of C trachomatis associated infertility. The immune response is linked to cytokine secretion pattern which is influenced by the host genetic background. To study a relationship between interleukin-10 (IL-10) promoter −1082 polymorphism and cell-mediated immune response during C trachomatis infection in vitro, lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine (IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-5) secretion were analysed in subjects with different IL-10 genotypes. Enhanced IL-10 secretion and reduced antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferative and IFN-γ responses were found in subjects with IL-10 −1082 GG genotype when compared to those with −1082 AA genotype. CD14+ monocytes were main source of IL-10 indicating that these cells are important regulators of the antigen-specific cell-mediated responses during active C trachomatis infection. We conclude that impaired cell-mediated response to C trachomatis is associated with IL-10 genotype in subjects with high IL-10 producing capacity. A comparison of immune markers between subjects with a history of noncomplicated and complicated infection is needed to further understand the confounding factors associated with the development of C trachomatis associated sequelae.

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Abbreviations

LP:

lymphocyte proliferation

PBMC:

peripheral blood mononuclear cells

TFI:

tubal factor infertility

CMI:

cell-mediated immune

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Acknowledgements

We thank Mrs Marja Siitonen and Mrs Marja Suorsa for excellent technical assistance. The study was supported by Research Grants from the Helsinki University Hospital.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Public Health Institute, Oulu, Finland

    H Öhman, P Koskela, M Lehtinen & H-M Surcel

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

    A Tiitinen, M Halttunen & J Paavonen

  3. Institute of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark

    S Birkelund & G Christiansen

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  1. H Öhman
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  2. A Tiitinen
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  3. M Halttunen
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  7. M Lehtinen
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  9. H-M Surcel
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Correspondence to H-M Surcel.

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Öhman, H., Tiitinen, A., Halttunen, M. et al. IL-10 polymorphism and cell-mediated immune response to Chlamydia trachomatis. Genes Immun 7, 243–249 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.gene.6364293

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.gene.6364293

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