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-g (IFN-g) were assessed by immunologic and PCR assays, respectively in patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) -associated IM and NPC and EBV negative controls.
RESULTS: The serum levels of IFN-g 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-g may be predominant over those of IL-4 during the course of IM and NPC.