IL-12, IL-18 and TNF increased in both acute and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis

IL-12, IL-18 and TNF increased in both acute and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is characterized by a granulomatous inflammation and may show various forms of clinical presentation:
- acute
- subacute
- chronic forms

The TH1-associated cytokines interleukin (IL) 12 and IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) may be involved in the pathogenesis of both the acute and chronic forms of HP.

In a German study, patients underwent BAL 0 to 6 days after the last antigen exposure.

The production of IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-alpha by AMs was increased in patients with both acute and chronic forms. The levels showed no difference between patients with acute and chronic HP.

The authors concluded that an increased release of IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-alpha by AMs is associated with both the acute and chronic forms of HP.


Mind map of HP


Causes of HP

References:
Interleukin 12, interleukin 18, and tumor necrosis factor alpha release by alveolar macrophages: acute and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Ye Q, Nakamura S, Sarria R, Costabel U, Guzman J. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2009 Feb;102(2):149-54.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Allergy Cases.