Induction of interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 expression by Broncho-Vaxom (OM-85 BV) via C-Fos/serum responsive element.
BACKGROUND
Broncho-Vaxom (OM-85 BV) increases the resistance of the respiratory tract to bacterial infections by modulating host immune responses. The compound increases serum IgG levels but decreases IgE levels in patients suffering from chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It increases concentrations of gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma), IgA, and interleukin (IL)-2 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with bronchitis. Treatment with OM-85 BV increases the number of T helper and natural killer cells. In this study the effects of OM-85 BV on transcription of cytokines is investigated in human lung fibroblasts.


METHODS
Transcription and synthesis of IL-6 and IL-8 were assessed in cultured primary human lung fibroblasts using standard methods of Northern blot analysis for the level of mRNAs and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for proteins.


RESULTS
Broncho-Vaxom (OM-85 BV) at different concentrations induced transcription of IL-6 and IL-8. The effect of the drug on transcription of IL-6 and IL-8 genes correlated with secretion of the proteins into cell supernatants. OM-85 BV-dependent expression of the interleukin genes involved C-Fos/serum responsive element (C-Fos/SRE).


CONCLUSIONS
The data suggest that the various immunopharmacological activities of OM-85 BV that have been described in clinical studies may be explained by its ability to induce expression of IL-6 and IL-8.
Keul
R
R
Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.
Roth
M
M
Papakonstantinou
E
E
Nauck
M
M
Perruchoud
A P
AP
Block
L H
LH
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D002457:Cell Extracts; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects; D011493:Protein Kinase C / Q000378:metabolism; D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos / Q000096:biosynthesis; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects; D015533:Transcriptional Activation; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000095983:Bacterial Lysates
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D002457:Cell Extracts; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide; D015850:Interleukin-6; D016209:Interleukin-8; D011493:Protein Kinase C; D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; C030259:Broncho-Vaxom; D000095983:Bacterial Lysates