Decreased levels of interleukin-12p40 in the serum of patients with Whipple’s disease

Background An impaired production of interleukin (IL)-12 and T cell interferon-γ (IFN-γ) of in vitro stimulated monocytes has been discussed as a pathogenic factor in Whipple’s disease (WD). It is unclear whether this defect of cellular immunity is translated to the humoral immune system and to serum correlates.