Flow cytometric determination of cytokines in activated murine T helper lymphocytes: expression of interleukin-10 in interferon-gamma and in interleukin-4-expressing cells.
In an immune response, effector functions are controlled by T helper (Th) 1 cytokines [interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-2 and tumor necrosis factor-beta] and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10). Here we analyze by multiparameter immunofluorescence to what extent IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IFN-gamma are co-expressed in individual normal murine Th cells upon activation in vitro with the bacterial superantigen Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B, presented in the context of major histocompatibility complex class II. IL-2 and IFN-gamma are co-expressed by some, but not by other Th cells. Expression of IL-4 and IFN-gamma is exclusive. IL-10 is co-expressed in individual cells either with IL-4 or with IFN-gamma. No IL-5-expressing cells are detected. While IL-10- and IL-4-co-expressing Th cells correspond to classical Th 2 cells, cells co-expressing IL-10 and IFN-gamma could be involved in negative-feedback regulation of a Th1 response. Apart from such functional implications, our results show that IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IFN-gamma are expressed independently of each other in individual murine Th cells.
Assenmacher
M
M
Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, Germany.
Schmitz
J
J
Radbruch
A
A
D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002460:Cell Line; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004768:Enterotoxins / Q000276:immunology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology; D018089:Superantigens / Q000276:immunology; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology*
D016207:Cytokines; D004768:Enterotoxins; D007376:Interleukin-2; D018089:Superantigens; D016753:Interleukin-10; D015847:Interleukin-4; C031818:enterotoxin B, staphylococcal; D007371:Interferon-gamma