R. Galzio

Autism and immunity: revisited study.

Autism spectrum disorder is of interest neurochemically because it represents a relatively homogeneous disorder with regard to disease development, abnormal cognitive development and intellectual development disturbance. A consistent finding in autistic children is a high number of mast cells and a high level of serotonin which is also found at elevated concentrations in the urine of autistic patients. In addition, a dysfunction of clinical conditions, such as gastrointestinal and immunological symptoms, is frequently noted in autistic children, however, IgE does not appear to be prevalent in these children but probably an increase of cytokines/chemokines produced by mast cells at an early age may play an important role. Therefore an immune hypothesis, involving also autoimmunity, is one possible pathogenetic mechanism in autism. In conclusion, mast cell activation could contribute to immune and neuroinflammatory abnormalities that are evident in patients with autism spectrum disorders.

Allergic inflammation: role of cytokines with special emphasis on IL-4

This review examines recent articles on the relationship of cytokines to allergy and inflammation with particular emphasis on interleukin (IL)-4. The objective of this article is therefore to review published studies to identify cytokines consistently involved in allergic inflammation. Proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and GM-CSF along with TNF-alpha play a role in allergen-induced airway leukocyte recruitment and these cytokines can be generated by T mast cells and other cells. In addition, IL-9, IL-25, IL-33, IL-17, IL-27 and IFN-γ are deeply involved in the regulation of asthma. Blocking the effect of these proinflammatory cytokines might provide new therapeutic approaches for the control of allergy and inflammation.

Impact of neuropeptide substance P an inflammatory compound on arachidonic acid compound generation

There is much evidence that neuropeptide substance P is involved in neurogenic inflammation and is an important neurotransmitter and neurmodulator compound. In addition, substance P plays an important role in inflammation and immunity. Macrophages can be activated by substance P which provokes the release of inflammatory compounds such as interleukins, chemokines and growth factors. Substance P is involved in the mechanism of pain through the trigeminal nerve which runs through the head, temporal and sinus cavity. Substance P also activates mast cells to release inflammatory mediators such as arachindonic acid compound, cytokines/chemokines and histamine. The release of these chemical mediators is crucial for inflammatory response. Among these mediators there are prostoglandins and leukotrines. Here we review the impact of substance P on inflammatory compounds.

IL-36 Receptor Antagonist with Special Emphasis on IL-38:

IL-36 is another family member of IL-1 and induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines and activates MAPK and NFκB pathways. IL-36 is a common mediator of innate and adaptive immune response and is inhibited by IL-36 receptor antagonist (RA). IL-36RA acts on IL-36 receptor ligand which exerts proinflammatory effect in vivo and in vitro. IL-38 binds to IL-36 receptor as does IL-36RA and has similar biological effects on immune cells. IL-38 is also a member of IL-1 cytokine and shares some characteristics of IL-1RA, binding the same IL-1 receptor type I. IL-38 plays a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, exerting protective effect in some autoimmune diseases. Both IL-38 and IL-36RA have an anti-inflammatory biological effect, however in some cases have contrary effects.

Vitamins and mast cells.

The immune system is a highly complex, intricately regulated group of cells whose integrated function is essential to health. The mast cell inflammatory response is characterized by an early phase with massive discharge of mediators stored in cytoplasmic secretory granules. Through multigranular/compound exocytosis and a late phase that involves generation of arachidonic acid metabolites and de novo synthesis of cytokines/chemokines and growth factors. Vitamins have been shown to have a protective effect on the bodys immune cells. Vitamin C and E are necessary in allergic disease treatment where mast cells are involved. In addition, ascorbic acid and pyridoxine are useful compounds for the treatment of inflammatory disorder of the respiratory airways. Here we revisited the inter-relationship between vitamins and mast cells.

IL-31 a Th2 cytokine involved in immunity and inflammation.

Cytokines are immunal regulatory proteins, however they also play a relevant role in inflammatory diseases. IL-31 is a newly discovered cytokine expressed primarily in TH2 cells, introduced by activated CD4+ T cells. IL-31 is capable of inducing chemokines and other cytokines in several inflammatory diseases via its surface receptor. This cytokine is also produced by mast cells and mast cell line, suggesting a role in allergic diseases. In this editorial we revisit the biological role of IL-31 in immunity and inflammation.

PGD2, IL-1-Family Members and Mast Cells

Cytokines are immunomodulatory and inflammatory compounds produced by many different cell types. The IL-1 family consists of at least eleven cytokines including IL-18 and IL-13 and are essential to the host defence against severe infections and mediate inflammation. IL-18 also enhances tumour rejection and has high capacity to augment the cytotoxicity of NK cells and T cells. IL-33 stimulates basophils and mast cells to produce cytokines and histamine independently of IgE. Mast cells play a crucial role in the development of allergy through the cross-linking of their surface receptors for IgE leading to degranulation and inflammation. Activated mast cells induce the generation of PGD2, detectable in 2–15 minutes after challenge, and LTC4. Here we review the interrelationship between PGD2, IL-1 family members and mast cells.

Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Mast Cells: Revisited Study

Mast cells reside in connective tissues and are widely recognized as effector cells important in innate and acquired immunity. These cells are the only ones capable of storing preformed TNFα in their cytoplasmatic granules and release upon activation. TNF-alpha is a potent multifunctional cytokine involved in autoimmune diseases, cancer, allergy, and acute and chronic inflammation. In this study, we revisit the interrelationship between TNFα and mast cells.