Home
HelpTest Code CYTH2 T-Helper Cell Type 2 Cytokine Panel, Plasma
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Immediately after specimen collection, place the tube on wet ice.
2. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge at 4° C, 1500 x g for 10 minutes and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial.
3. Freeze immediately.
Additional Information:
1. Plasma for this test cannot be shared with other tests. Submit specimen for this test in its own vial.
2. This test cannot be added onto a previously collected specimen.
Useful For
Assessment of plasma cytokine levels to understand the etiology of allergic conditions and parasitic infections when used in conjunction with clinical information and other laboratory testing
Method Name
Bead-Based Multiplex Immunoassay
Reporting Name
Th2 Cytokine Panel, PSpecimen Type
Plasma EDTASpecimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma EDTA | Frozen | 21 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
| Heat-treated specimen | Reject |
Clinical Information
Cytokines are important mediators of cell-to-cell communication within the innate and adaptive immune systems. The expression of most cytokines is highly regulated and generally occurs in response to foreign or self-antigenic stimulation. The functions of cytokines are extremely varied, with many cytokines also displaying pleiotropic effects, depending on their cellular target. As a group, cytokines and their receptors represent a highly complex and critical regulator of a normal immune response.
Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13 form a cytokine gene cluster on chromosome 5q and are coordinately regulated during Th2 cell differentiation.(1) Monitoring circulating concentrations of these cytokines can therefore aid in evaluating conditions associated with Th2 cell activation, such as allergic diseases and parasitic infection. IL-4 promotes the differentiation of naïve T cells into Th2 cells and is essential for IgE class switching, a hall mark of allergic sensitization.(2) IL-5 is a potent activator of eosinophils and a key regulator of their growth, differentiation, and survival. It is a key driver of eosinophilic asthma, and several biologic therapies targeting IL-5 have been approved for its treatment.(3) IL-13 is secreted primarily by Th2 cells and promotes B-cell maturation, IgE class switching, and modulates macrophage activity. Its central role in the pathogenesis of several atopic diseases has led to the development of targeted therapies, some of which are now approved for the management of atopic dermatitis.(4) Finally, IL-10 is a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine which acts on Th2 cells to limit immune response to pathogens, thereby preventing host tissue damage.
Reference Values
IL-4:
<18 years: Not established
≥18 years: <100 pg/mL
IL-5:
<18 years: Not established
≥18 years: <20.0 pg/mL
IL-10:
<18 years: Not established
≥18 years: <7.0 pg/mL
IL-13:
<18 years: Not established
≥18 years: <700 pg/mL
Interpretation
Elevated cytokine concentrations could be consistent with the presence of allergic conditions or parasitic infections.
Cautions
Results from cytokine testing should not be used to establish or exclude a specific diagnosis.
Cytokine testing should only be used in conjunction with clinical information and other laboratory testing as part of a patient's overall assessment.
Normal concentrations of cytokines do not exclude the possibility of parasitic infection or allergic condition.
Cytokine concentrations could be affected by immunomodulatory agents.
Clinical Reference
1. Cousins DJ, Lee TH, Staynov DZ. Cytokine coexpression during human Th1/Th2 cell differentiation: direct evidence for coordinated expression of Th2 cytokines. J Immunol. 2002;169(5):2498-2506
2. Junttila IS. Tuning the Cytokine Responses: An Update on Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 Receptor Complexes. Front Immunol. 2018;9:888. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.00888
3. Jackson DJ, Wechsler ME, Brusselle G, Buhl R. Targeting the IL-5 pathway in eosinophilic asthma: A comparison of anti-IL-5 versus anti-IL-5 receptor agents. Allergy. 2024;79(11):2943-2952
4. Simpson EL, Guttman-Yassky E, Eichenfield LF, et al. Tralokinumab therapy for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: Clinical outcomes with targeted IL-13 inhibition. Allergy. 2023;78(11):2875-2891
5. Hirahara K, Aoki A, Nakayama T. Pathogenic helper T cells. Allergol Int. 2021;70(2):169-173. doi:10.1016/j.alit.2021.02.001
6. Li KP, Shanmuganad S, Carroll K, Katz JD, Jordan MB, Hildeman DA. Dying to protect: cell death and the control of T-cell homeostasis. Immunol Rev. 2017;277(1):21-43. doi:10.1111/imr.12538
Method Description
Measurement of plasma cytokine levels is performed using a laboratory-developed immunoassay.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Day(s) Performed
Wednesday
Report Available
2 to 8 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83520 x4
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CYTH2 | Th2 Cytokine Panel, P | 82335-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 622931 | IL-4 | 27161-9 |
| 622933 | IL-5 | 33938-2 |
| 622930 | IL-10 | 26848-2 |
| 622932 | IL-13 | 33822-8 |