Correlation between p38MAPK level and Th1 and Th2 cytokines in RSV infection

PENG Li; ZHONG Li-li; LI Fang-cai

doi:10.19538/j.ek2025050613

Abstract：Objective To investigate the clinical features of hospitalized children with respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)and the correlation between the expression of p38MAPK and type Ⅰ helper T cell(Th1)and type Ⅱ helper T cell(Th2)cytokines.Methods A total of 154 children with RSV infection who were hospitalized in Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from January 1,2023 to June 30,2023 and underwent nasopharyngeal swab examination were selected as RSV group.According to the family history of eczema,urticaria,allergic rhinitis and related allergic diseases,the 154 children with RSV infection were further divided into atopic group(74 cases)and non-atopic group(80 cases).Extract and organize the general data and the laboratory examination reports of the children included.In the cell experiment there were divided into control group,RSV group,and RSV+SB202190(p38MAPK inhibitor)group.Real time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect p38MAPK mRNA levels,and ELISA was used to detect partial cytokine expression.Results Compared to the control group,the RSV group showed a significant increase in P38MAPK mRNA levels and secretion of IL-4,IL-5,and IFN-γ(P＜0.05).Compared with the RSV group,the expression of P38MAPK mRNA and the secretion of IL-4,IL-5,and IFN-γ were significantly reduced in the RSV+SB202190 group(P＜0.05).Compared with the non-atopic group,the atopic group had significant increases in eosinophil(EOS)count,immunoglobulin A(IgA),interleukin-4(IL-4),IL-4/IFN-γ,p38MAPK and IgE(P＜0.05).The atopic group had a significantly lower level of IFN-γ than the non-atopic group(P＜0.05).Further correlation analysis showed that p38MAPK was positively correlated with IL-4 and IL-4/IFN-γ(rs=0.58,0.68,P＜0.05).Conclusion The p38MAPK may be involved in the development of RSV respiratory tract infection by regulating the levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines.