Background:
Cytokines have been suggested to participate in the pathogenesis of infectious mononucleosis (IM) and
nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
METHODS:
Serum levels and gene expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were assessed by
immunologic and PCR assays, respectively in patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated IM and
NPC and EBV nega-tive controls.
RESULTS:
The serum levels of IFN- γ were elevated, but those of IL-4 were decreased in IM and NPC patients as
compared with those of the control group (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
These results suggest that serum levels of IFN-γ may be predominant over those of IL-4 during the cours
of IM and NPC