Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Pleiotropic Cytokine (pleiotropic + cytokine)
Selected AbstractsIL-6: Regulator of Treg/Th17 balanceEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 7 2010Akihiro Kimura Abstract IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in the physiology of virtually every organ system. Recent studies have demonstrated that IL-6 has a very important role in regulating the balance between IL-17-producing Th17 cells and regulatory T cells (Treg). The two T-cell subsets play prominent roles in immune functions: Th17 cell is a key player in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and protection against bacterial infections, while Treg functions to restrain excessive effector T-cell responses. IL-6 induces the development of Th17 cells from naïve T cells together with TGF-,; in contrast, IL-6 inhibits TGF-,-induced Treg differentiation. Dysregulation or overproduction of IL-6 leads to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in which Th17 cells are considered to be the primary cause of pathology. Given the critical role of IL-6 in altering the balance between Treg and Th17 cells, controlling IL-6 activities is potentially an effective approach in the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Here, we review the role of IL-6 in regulating Th17/Treg balance and describe the critical functions of IL-6 and Th17 in immunity and immune-pathology. [source] IL-15 is critical for the maintenance and innate functions of self-specific CD8+ T cellsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 7 2009Momoe Itsumi Abstract IL-15 is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in host defense as well as autoimmunity. IL-15-deficient mice show a decrease of memory phenotype (MP) CD8+ T cells, which develop naturally in naïve mice and whose origin is unclear. It has been shown that self-specific CD8+ T cells developed in male H-Y antigen-specific TCR transgenic mice share many similarities with naturally occurring MP CD8+ T cells in normal mice. In this study, we found that H-Y antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in male but not female mice decreased when they were crossed with IL-15-deficient mice, mainly due to impaired peripheral maintenance. The self-specific TCR transgenic CD8+ T cells developed in IL-15-deficient mice showed altered surface phenotypes and reduced effector functions ex vivo. Bystander activation of the self-specific CD8+ T cells was induced in vivo during infection with Listeria monocytogenes, in which proliferation but not IFN-, production was IL-15-dependent. These results indicated important roles for IL-15 in the maintenance and functions of self-specific CD8+ T cells, which may be included in the naturally occurring MP CD8+ T-cell population in naïve normal mice and participate in innate host defense responses. [source] Association between IL-18 gene promoter polymorphisms and inflammatory bowel disease in a Japanese populationINFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 12 2005T Takagawa MD Abstract Background: Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pleiotropic cytokine that induces the production of interferon (IFN)-, and also to regulate Th2 cytokines. Recently, association studies between IL-18 gene promoter polymorphisms and several Th1- or Th2-mediated inflammatory diseases were reported. In inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), recent evidence suggests that IL-18 is involved in the pathogenesis. Methods: Using DNA direct sequencing, we investigated IL-18 gene promoter polymorphisms at ,607C/A and ,137G/C. Allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies were determined in 210 Japanese patients with UC, 205 patients with CD, and 212 controls. Results: In UC, the ,137C allele frequency was significantly higher in the proctitis-type patients than in controls (Pc = 0.0068). The ,137 genotype frequency was also significantly different in the proctitis-type patients than in controls (Pc = 0.032). No other allele and genotype frequencies were significantly associated with UC after Bonferroni correction. Furthermore, the frequency of haplotype 2 (,607A, ,137C), which had a lower promoter activity and IFN-, mRNA level than the other haplotypes as previously reported, was significantly higher in the proctitis-type patients than in controls (Pc = 0.01). In CD, we could not find any significant differences. Conclusions: IL-18 gene promoter polymorphisms may not be associated with disease susceptibility but related to the extent of disease in UC. [source] Natural killer cell-mediated ablation of metastatic liver tumors by hydrodynamic injection of IFN, gene to miceINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 6 2007Tetsuo Takehara Abstract Interferon (IFN) , is a pleiotropic cytokine acting as an antiviral substance, cell growth inhibitor and immunomodulator. To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of IFN, on hepatic metastasis of tumor cells, we hydrodynamically injected naked plasmid DNA encoding IFN,1 (pCMV-IFNa1) into Balb/cA mice having 2 days hepatic metastasis of CT-26 cells. Single injection of pCMV-IFNa1 efficiently enhanced the natural killer (NK) activity of hepatic mononuclear cells, induced production of IFN, in serum and led to complete rejection of tumors in the liver. Mice protected from hepatic metastasis by IFN, therapy displayed a tumor-specific cytotoxic T cell response and were resistant to subcutaneous challenge of CT-26 cells. NK cells were critically required for IFN,-mediated rejection of hepatic metastasis, because their depletion by injecting anti-asialo GM1 antibody completely abolished the antimetastatic effect. To find whether NK cells are directly activated by IFN, and are sufficient for the antimetastatic effect, the responses to IFN, were examined in SCID mice lacking T cells, B cells and NKT cells. IFN, completely rejected hepatic metastasis in SCID mice and efficiently activated SCID mononuclear cells, as evidenced by activation of STAT1 and a variety of genes, such as MHC class I, granzyme B, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand and IFN,, and also enhanced Yac1 lytic ability. Study of IFN, knockout mice revealed that IFN, was not necessary for IFN,-mediated NK cell activation and metastasis protection. In conclusion, IFN, efficiently activates both innate and adaptive immune responses, but NK cells are critically required and sufficient for IFN,-mediated initial rejection of hepatic metastasis of microdisseminated tumors. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Extended indications for anti-tumor necrosis factor-, therapyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 2 2006Chong-Hyeon YOON Abstract Tumour necrosis factor-, is a pleiotropic cytokine which has a broad range of actions in inflammation, infection and immunity. TNF-, is supposed to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. TNF-, blocking agents have been demonstrated to be highly effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. TNF-, inhibitors also have been tried with other rheumatic diseases and have emerged as promising treatments. We here review the current evidences of effectiveness of the anti-TNF-, therapy in various autoimmune diseases. [source] Transforming growth factor- , stimulates Interleukin-11 production by human periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblastsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 3 2006R. Yashiro Abstract Background: Transforming growth factor (TGF)- , is a potent multifunctional polypeptide, abundant in the bone matrix. Interleukin (IL)-11 is a pleiotropic cytokine with effects on multiple cell types. The present study was performed to evaluate the regulatory effects of TGF- , on IL-11 production by human periodontal ligament cells (PDL) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). Material and Methods: The expression of TGF- , receptor in PDL and HGF were observed using flow cytometry. PDL and HGF were stimulated with TGF- , with or without protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors and activator. IL-11, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and TGF- , mRNA expression was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). IL-11 production was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: PDL and HGF expressed both TGF- , receptor I and TGF- , receptor II on the cell surfaces. IL-11 mRNA expression and IL-11 production were augmented by TGF- , in both PDL and HGF, with higher values in PDL. PKC inhibitors partially suppressed TGF- , -induced IL-11 production in PDL and HGF, whereas activator enhanced it. TGF- , mRNA and BMP-2 mRNA expression were up-regulated by TGF- , in PDL. Conclusion: These results suggest that PDL produce IL-11 in response to TGF- ,. [source] Allograft Fibrosis,Unmasking the Players at the DanceAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2 2010R. B. Mannon New data suggest that the pleiotropic cytokine interleukin-6 may be a key contributor to allograft fibrosis through a complex interaction with connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a downstream effector of TGF-beta. See article by Booth et al on page 220. [source] Interleukin-12 induces salivary gland dysfunction in transgenic mice, providing a new model of Sjögren's syndromeARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 12 2009Jelle L. Vosters Objective Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a pleiotropic cytokine that is elevated in the affected organs of patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS). We have previously reported that overexpression of IL-12 in CBA mice leads to mononuclear infiltration of salivary and lacrimal glands, as well as to expansion of bronchial lymphoid tissue and decreased mucociliary clearance. Because xerostomia is one of the most important clinical features in SS patients, our main objective in the current study was to evaluate salivary gland function in IL-12,transgenic mice. Our secondary objective was to further characterize this animal model and to determine if the changes observed in these mice are representative of those observed in patients with SS overall. Methods Pilocarpine-stimulated salivary flow was used to address salivary gland function in a large group of IL-12,transgenic mice bred onto the autoimmune-prone SJL background. Furthermore, salivary glands were removed to assess the formation of infiltrates in the glands and gland morphology. Serum was also collected from these animals to investigate the formation of autoantibodies. Results Pilocarpine-stimulated salivary flow was significantly lower in IL-12,transgenic mice than in wild-type controls. Salivary glands from transgenic mice exhibited an increase in both the number and the size of lymphocytic foci, versus glands from age-matched controls. Furthermore, the acini in transgenic mice were fewer in number and larger in size compared with acini in controls. An age-dependent increase in anti-SSB/La antibodies was observed in IL-12,transgenic mice and was accompanied by an increase in antinuclear antibodies. Conclusion Our findings indicate that a number of conditions associated with SS are exhibited by IL-12,transgenic SJL mice and that this model might be useful in researching multiple aspects of the disease. [source] In vivo inhibition of angiogenesis by interleukin-13 gene therapy in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 8 2007Christian S. Haas Objective Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a pleiotropic cytokine that can affect vessel formation, an important component of the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue pannus. The purpose of this study was to use a gene therapy approach to investigate the role of IL-13 in angiogenesis in vivo, using a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model of RA. Methods Ankle joints of female rats were injected preventatively with an adenovirus vector containing human IL-13 (AxCAIL-13), a control vector with no insert (AxCANI), or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Joints were harvested at the peak of arthritis, and histologic and biochemical features were evaluated. Results AxCAIL-13,treated joint homogenates had lower hemoglobin levels, suggesting reduced joint vascularity, and both endothelial cell migration and tube formation were significantly inhibited (P < 0.05). Similarly, AxCAIL-13 inhibited capillary sprouting in the rat aortic ring assay and vessel growth in the Matrigel plug in vivo assay. IL-13 gene delivery resulted in up-regulation and association of phosphorylated ERK-1/2 and protein kinase C,/,II, suggesting a novel pathway in IL-13,mediated angiostasis. The angiostatic effect of AxCAIL-13 was associated with down-regulation of proangiogenic cytokines (IL-18, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1/CXCL1, lipopolysaccharide-induced CXC chemokine/CXCL5) and up-regulation of the angiogenesis inhibitor endostatin. The expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, which participate in angiogenesis, was impaired in response to IL-13 as compared with AxCANI and PBS treatment. Conclusion Our findings support a role for IL-13 as an in vivo antiangiogenic factor and provide a rationale for its use in RA to control pathologic neovascularization. [source] Structure of interleukin 4 mutant E9A suggests polar steering in receptor-complex formationACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D, Issue 9 2001Martin Hülsmeyer Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is a pleiotropic cytokine which induces T-cell differentiation and class switching of B cells. It therefore plays a central role in the development of allergies and asthma. An IL-4 variant in which Glu9 was mutated to alanine shows an 800-fold drop in binding affinity towards its high-affinity receptor chain. As shown by surface plasmon resonance measurements, this mostly arises from a decreased association rate. Here, the crystal structure of this mutant is reported. It reveals that the protein has a virtually identical structure to the wild type, showing that the unusual behaviour of the mutated protein is not a consequence of misfolding. The possibility that polar interactions in the encounter complex have a steering effect is discussed. [source] Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of human IL-22 bound to its soluble decoy receptor IL-22BPACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2009Leandra Watanabe Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a pleiotropic cytokine that is involved in inflammatory responses. Human IL-22 was incubated with its soluble decoy receptor IL-22BP (IL-22 binding protein) and the IL-22,IL-22BP complex was crystallized in hanging drops using the vapour-diffusion method. Suitable crystals were obtained from polyethylene glycol solutions and diffraction data were collected to 2.75,Å resolution. The crystal belonged to the tetragonal space group P41, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 67.9, c = 172.5,Å, and contained two IL-22,IL-22BP complexes per asymmetric unit. [source] Circulating interleukin-10 and interleukin-12 in Parkinson's diseaseACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2009M. Rentzos Background,,, Interleukin (IL)-12 is a heterodimeric cytokine produced by activated blood monocytes, macrophages and glial cells. It enhances differentiation and proliferation of T cells and increases production of proinflammatory cytokines. IL-10 is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by both lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes including microglia. Recent studies demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of IL-10. There is little information about the involvement of IL-12 or IL-10 in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Objectives,,, The objective of our study was to assess the role of IL-12 as a potential marker of immune reactions in patients with PD and to investigate whether IL-10, an immunosuppressive cytokine, may have a neuroprotective effect in the pathogenesis of PD. Patients and methods,,, We measured using immunoassay serum IL-12 and IL-10 levels in 41 patients with PD in comparison with serum levels in 19 healthy subjects (controls) age and sex matched. IL-12 and IL-10 levels were tested for correlation with sex, age, disease duration, Hoehn and Yahr stage and the UPDRS III score. Results,,, The PD group presented with significantly increased IL-10 levels when compared with the control group (P = 0.02). The increase observed was not affected by the treatment status. A strong and significant correlation between IL-10 and IL-12 levels was observed in patients with PD (RS = 0.7, P < 0.000001). Conclusions,,, Our findings suggest that IL-10 may be involved in the pathogenetic mechanisms of PD. The elevation of IL-10 and the significant correlation between IL-10 and IL-12, a proinflammatory cytokine, may suggest that immunological disturbances and neuroprotective mechanisms are involved in patients with PD. [source] | |||||||||||||