查看文章

Current data suggest that T-helper (Th) 2-type cytokine responses are often associated with progression to AIDS in HIV-positive individuals. Similarly, Th2-type cytokines are associated with susceptibility to mucosal candidiasis, of which oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is one of the most common opportunistic infections in HIV-positive individuals. Although little information is available on host defense mechanisms at the level of the oral mucosa, recent studies suggest that local cellmediated immunity (CMI) is equally or more important than that in the periphery for host defense against mucosal Candida albicans infections. This study investigated the potential presence of oral-associated CMI through the expression of Thl/Th2-type cytokines in saliva of immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals with and without OPC. Results showed a constitutive mixed Thl/Th2 cytokine expression (Th0) in whole …