Expression of IL-4 mRNA variant transcripts in PBMCs.

(A) Structure of the IL-4 mRNA (E indicates exon; SP, signal peptide) and positions of primers used for the generation of cDNA (arrows). (B) Identification of major IL-4 mRNA, and 42-bp and 13-bp deleted variants. IL-4 mRNA species were detected after hybridization of RT-PCR products with a fluorescent 5′ primer (Immunoscope assay). Profiles from a control donor and 2 HIV-infected patients, ex vivo (J0) or after 72-hour culture in medium (J3), are shown. (C) Relative representation of IL-4 mRNA variants in PBMCs from 2 healthy controls and 5 HIV⁺ patients.