In the present study we have examined the TGF-beta and IL5 mRNA expression by mitogen-activated CD4-positive T cells from patients with IgAN (n = 25), patients with other primary nephritides (CGN) (n = 24), and healthy control subjects (n = 25).
Our study revealed IgAN is associated with activation in circulating lymphocytes of the IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-5 gene cluster, a pattern compatible with activation of both the Th1- and Th2-like T lymphocyte population.