Comparison of Chlamydia pneumoniae-specific T Effector Memory Lymphocytes in Asthmatic and Non-Asthmatic Adults.

OBJECTIVE: -specific TEMs and their intracellular cytokines were compared in asthmatic and non-asthmatic adults. METHODS: TW-183 at a multiplicity of infection (MOI)=0.1 and cultured (48 hrs). Distributions of lymphocytes (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) and TEM cells (CD4+CCR7-CD45RA+CD154+, CD8+CCR7-CD45RA+CD154+) were determined. Levels of intracellular Interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and Interferon (IFN)-gamma were measured (flow microfluorimetry). RESULTS: =0.02. 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: -stimulated TEM cells in asthma may indicate decreased effectiveness in clearing infection, suggesting an impaired IFN-gamma response.