ISSN:
1365-2222
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Background IL-16 has been described as a natural soluble CD4-ligand with immunosuppressive effects in vitro. However, little is known about the effect of IL-16 on immune responses in vivo.Objective In the present study, we examined the effect of IL-16 administration in a murine model of allergic asthma. Next, we determined whether these effects were mediated by modulation of CD4+ T lymphocytes.Methods and results Intraperitoneal administration of IL-16 completely inhibits antigen-induced airway hyper-responsiveness and largely decreases the number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (〉 90%) and airway tissue of ovalbumin-sensitized and challenged mice. Firstly, it appears that thoracic lymph node cells isolated from in vivo IL-16-treated ovalbumin-challenged animals produce less IL-4 (77%) and IL-5 (85%) upon antigenic re-stimulation, when compared to vehicle-treated mice. Secondly, pre-incubation of lymphocytes with IL-16 in vitro reduces antigen-induced proliferation (55%) and Th2-type cytokine production (IL-4; 56%, IL-5; 77%). Thirdly, the presence of IL-16 during priming cultures of TCR transgenic T cells (DO11.10), reduces IL-4 (33%) and IL-5 (35%), but not IL-10 and IFNγ levels upon re-stimulation.Conclusion It can be concluded that IL-16 has potent immunosuppressive effects on a Th2-dominated allergic airway response.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2222.2002.01528.x
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