Features of interferon system in patients with herpes zoster
Objective. Study of mediators of immune system - is one of the main immunology direction. Interferons (IFN) are the most studied group of mediators. It includes three types of IFN - I type (a, ß, ы) with marked antiviral activity, II type (y) - whose main function is immune regulation. And III type (λ<sub>1</sub>, λ<sub>2</sub>, λ<sub>3</sub>, and λ<sub>4</sub>) with antitumor and antiviral activity. The aim of work: to study condition of IFN system by evaluating the serum level of IFN's in patients with herpes zoster. Methods. 50 patients with herpes zoster were examined. Serum was taken in first 72 hours after disease manifestation. The level of IFN-ß, IFN-γ, IFN-λ<sub>1</sub>, IFN-λ<sub>3,</sub> IFN-λ<sub>1/3</sub> was determined by using specific reagents R&D Diagnostics Inc. (USA). The data were presented as a median and two quartiles (Me, Q<sub>25</sub>, Q<sub>75</sub>). The interrelation of indicators was estimated by the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results. The serum level of IFN-ß, IFN-λ<sub>1</sub>, IFN-λ<sub>3,</sub> IFN-λ<sub>1/3</sub> were significantly lower in patients with herpes zoster in comparison with the control group. Also, the weak positive correlation between IFN-ß and IFNλ<sub>1/3</sub>, IFN-ß and IFN-γ; and medium positive correlation between IFN-y and IFN-λ<sub>1/3</sub> were established. Conclusions. The interferons deficiency was identified. Presumably the correlation between IFN-y and IFN-λ<sub>1/3</sub> is due to common type of producer cell - plasmacytoid dendritic cells. In addition, the direct positive effect of IFN-λ on interleukin-12 (IL-12) and on NK-cells through IL-12 cause positive effect of IFN-λ to IFN-y. Disbalance in interferons ratio - one of the potent factors of varicella zoster virus reactivation. In addition, the high serum level of IFN-γ is a factor of mild course of disease.