Cytokines in common variable immunodeficiency as signs of immune dysregulation and potential therapeutic targets - a review of the current knowledge

J Clin Immunol. 2014 Jul;34(5):524-43. doi: 10.1007/s10875-014-0053-0. Epub 2014 May 15.

Abstract

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by low levels of circulating immunoglobulins and compromised specific antibody response leading to frequent infections. Cytokines play an important role in the orchestration of the antibody response. Several previous studies have attempted to identify distinct cytokines responsible for the inflammatory changes and different manifestations of CVID, but there are conflicting results regarding the cytokine profiles in CVID patients. In light of this, an extensive review regarding the level of various cytokines and their potential therapeutic role in CVID patients was performed. This review delineates the contribution of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-12, IL-21, interferons, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-17, APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand) and BAFF (B cell activating factor) in CVID disease and outline their potential therapeutic implications in these patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibody Formation
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Common Variable Immunodeficiency / genetics
  • Common Variable Immunodeficiency / immunology*
  • Common Variable Immunodeficiency / pathology
  • Cytokines / genetics
  • Cytokines / immunology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins / deficiency
  • Immunoglobulins / genetics*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / immunology
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Immunoglobulins