The roles of interleukin-1 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in antigen-specific immune responses
Journal
Journal of Biomedical Science
Journal Volume
9
Journal Issue
1
Pages
26-33
Date Issued
2002
Author(s)
Abstract
Despite evidence that interleukin (IL)-1 promotes the proliferation of some T helper 2 (Th2) cell clones in vitro, the physiological role of IL-1 in the regulation of antigen-specific immune responses remains undefined. Using a liposome-DNA delivery system, we transiently expressed IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) to suppress IL-1 functions at the site of the antigen-specific primary immune response. Our data indicate, for the first time, that IL-1Ra downregulates antigen-specific IL-4 and IgE responses, with concomitant enhancement of interferon-γ and IgG2a responses in vivo. In addition, IL-1 can promote Th2 development in an IL-4-independent manner in vitro. Thus, the balance between endogenous IL-1 and IL-1Ra during the primary immune response can be an important factor in determining the antigen-specific effector function of T cells. Copyright © 2002 National Science Council, ROC and S. Karger AG, Basel.
Type
journal article