Soluble interleukin-2 receptors: levels in leprosy, and during and after Type 1 (lepra) and Type 2 (ENL) reactions

Abstract

Twenty-five patients with Type I (lepra) and Type 2 (ENL) reactions, were assayed for SIL-2R in serum-before and after treatment for their acute condition-and the results were compared with 10 normal healthy adults and 20 patients of leprosy per se. Classification of each subject into different leprosy groups, and into various types and subtypes of reactions, was done according to standard criteria, prior to inclusion into the study. Detailed statistical evaluation of the data revealed significantly higher levels of SIL-2R in all leprosy patients, as compared to normal controls, with higher levels in the multibacillary groups as compared to the paucibacillary group. SIL-2Rs appeared higher in Type I upgrading reaction than in other fo rms of reaction, though this was not statistically significant. There was no significant change in levels fo llowing treatment and clinical remiSSIOn. 'Soluble' interleukin-2 receptors (SIL-2R), are part of the alpha polypeptide subunit (55 Kd) with low affinity to IL-2, that are released from the cell membrane of activated immunocompetent cells under certain conditions, in vitro l and in vivo. 2 .3 The role of this molecule in modulation of immune mechanisms is still unsettled although its 'potential' in down-regulating immune activation is well recognized.4 In addition to malignancies,3 AIDS5 and autoimmune diseases, SIL-2R has been studied in leprosy patients per se with intriguing findings.6,7 The SIL-2R values were raised across the spectrum and did not vary significantly between the various clinical bacilliferous groups, while paucibacillary cases had significantly different values, fa lling somewhere between that of the normal healthy adults and the multibacillary clinical groups. However, in a few patients who were

Cytokines in leprosy, I. Serum cytokine profile in leprosy

“…Previous studies showed increased levels of IFN‐γ, IL‐1β, 56 and IL‐2R expression 57 in skin lesions of type I patients. High serum levels of IL‐2R 41 , 42 and IL‐1β 32 were also described. The high level of IFN‐γ in type I reaction indicates that this reaction represents a state of immune hypersensitivity and exaggerated CMI response that can lead to a clearing of bacilli and concomitant tissue damage.…”

“…Several studies reported similar results. 41 , 42 IL‐2R was proven to be present and functioning on T‐cell surfaces of LL patients. 43 Although T‐cell activation leads to the production of IL‐2 and the expression of IL‐2R, the elevated serum levels of IL‐2R in LL patients were not associated with increased serum IL‐2 levels.…”

Advances in leprosy immunology and the field application: A gap to bridge

“…RR patients showed elevated levels of IFN-γ, IL-2R and IL-1β as compared to non-reactional patients liable to such reaction. 82,[89][90][91] Whereas in ENL patients, in addition to the above mentioned cytokines, IL-10 levels were also elevated. 82,84,92 Moreover, patients who developed reactions had significantly higher IL-1β levels as compared to those who did not, suggesting a prognostic value of IL-1β measurement in serum in predicting reactions.…”