Spontaneous CD30 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from atopic patients with high IgE serum levels

CD30 is a surface molecule which can be expressed by normal B and T lymphocytes. Our study focused on the CD30 expression and release compared with IL-4 expression as well as CD23-α/β in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from atopic subjects and controls. Data showed a lack of CD30 mRNA expression in the PBMC of control subjects, while it was significantly expressed in those of 6/11 atopic patients. No substantial amounts of spontaneous soluble CD30 (sCD30) could be detected by ELISA in both atopic and control groups. Interestingly, CD30 mRNA expression in PBMC of allergic patients was positively correlated with IgE serum levels (r = 0·79, P = 0·003). Studies on purified B cells showed that CD30 was expressed mainly in CD19⁺B cells of allergic patients. These data suggest highly a potential functional significance of the CD30 molecule in IgE response during allergic diseases.