Inflammatory cytokine production predominates in early Lyme disease in patients with erythema migrans

Infect Immun. 2003 Oct;71(10):6051-3. doi: 10.1128/IAI.71.10.6051-6053.2003.

Abstract

In a study of cytokine production ex vivo by Borrelia burgdorferi-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 27 patients with culture-positive erythema migrans, production of inflammatory cytokines predominated, particularly gamma interferon and, to a lesser degree, tumor necrosis factor alpha. In contrast, with the exception of interleukin-13, anti-inflammatory cytokine production was negligible. Thus, B. burgdorferi antigens in early Lyme disease often induce a strong inflammatory response.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Bacterial / administration & dosage
  • Antigens, Surface / administration & dosage
  • Antigens, Surface / immunology
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / immunology
  • Bacterial Vaccines
  • Borrelia burgdorferi / immunology
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis*
  • Erythema Chronicum Migrans / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism*
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology
  • Lipoproteins*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Antigens, Surface
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins
  • Bacterial Vaccines
  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Lipoproteins
  • OspA protein
  • OspC protein