Cytokines in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

The role of cytokines in the regulation of immune responses and the pathogenesis of ABPA is not fully understood. The Aspergillus-specific circulation IgE and significant eosinophilia led to the assumption that ABPA is a Th2-mediated disease, which was proved by the enhanced presence of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5 in these patients. Administration of anti-IL-4 and anti-IL-5 antibodies down-regulated the Th2 responses in murine models of APBA. This conclusion was further supported by studies with the gene knockout murine model of ABPA. Understanding the role of cytokines in ABPA and in murine models may shed light on the immunopathogenesis of the disease, which may lead to definitive diagnosis and better patient care.