IL-4 can correct defective IgE production in SJA/9 mice.
SJA/9 mice are unable to produce significant serum IgE responses to either primary or secondary challenge with protein Ag or helminth parasites. Previous work has shown that this defect resides the T cell rather than with the B cells. These experiments test several possible explanations for the lack of IgE production in these mice. SJA/9 mice do not appear to overproduce IFN-gamma or any other antagonist of IL-4 function. Helminth parasite infection induces normal levels of IL-5-dependent eosinophilia, suggesting that there is not a complete absence of a Th2 response in these mice. The defect, however can be explained by a substantial reduction in IL-4 production in vivo and can be corrected by infusion with IL-4. The reason for this lack of IL-4 production is not yet clear and, paradoxically, SJA/9 T cells can be stimulated in vitro to produce IL-4 levels comparable to T cells from other strains.
Savelkoul
H F
HF
Department of Immunology, DNAX Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA 94304.
Seymour
B W
BW
Sullivan
L
L
Coffman
R L
RL
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics*; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology
D015847:Interleukin-4; D007073:Immunoglobulin E