Interferon Production in Children with Respiratory Diseases

Abstract
In 110 children aged between 6 mo. and 18 yr the ability of leukocytes to produce the leukocyte interferon (IFN-.alpha.) in vitro was studied. The decrease or disappearance of IFN-.alpha. production was observed in some children with chronic or repeated respiratory diseases and in the majority of children who had been treated with prednisone. Increased production of IFN-.alpha. was found in a child with hypogammaglobulinemia and bronchopneumonia. In children affected by allergic or autoimmune diseases or bacterial infections IFN-.alpha. production was mostly normal. Age and sex had no influence on the production of IFN-.alpha.