Candidin and trichophytin stimulate the production of Th1 and regulatory cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells: implication for their use as adjuvants in immunotherapy

Abstract

Aim: This study's objective was to investigate whether candidin or trichophytin elicit recall immune responses that could potentially inhibit a Th2 response. Materials & methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from nine allergic and seven nonallergic individuals were cultivated in vitro in the presence or absence of these fungal extracts. Results: Trichophytin or candidin, or both, stimulated the production of regulatory cytokines (TGF-β and/or IL-10), accompanied or not by stimulation of production of cytokines associated with the Th1 response (TNF-α, IL-12 and IFN-γ), but without stimulation of Th2 cytokines (IL-5 and IL-13) and IL-17, by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of most allergic and nonallergic individuals. Conclusion: These results indicate that these fungal extracts could be used as adjuvants in personalized therapeutic vaccines in a fair proportion of individuals. In addition, they justify the carrying out of investigations aimed at identifying molecules in these extracts that might exclusively induce Treg and/or Th1 immune responses.