Differential induction of IL-12 by IFN-beta and IFN-gamma in human macrophages.
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a proinflammatory cytokine secreted by antigen-presenting cells (APC) in response to microbial antigens and mitogens. IL-12 induces interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production and enhances cellular immune responses. Conversely, IFN-gamma does not induce IL-12 but can prime its production by phagocytic cells in response to antigenic stimuli. In this study, we examined the effect of IFN-beta on IL-12 production in human macrophages, as IFN-beta is a natural protein produced by virus-infected cells. We demonstrate that, unlike IFN-gamma, IFN-beta is able to induce IL-12 production in macrophages. However, IFN-gamma can enhance IFN-beta-induced IL-12 in these cells. These findings suggest that IFN-beta could influence the immune response to virus infection indirectly through IL-12.
Department of Neurology, University of Maryland at Baltimore, and Baltimore Veteran's Administration Medical Center, 21201, USA.
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Dhib-Jalbut
D002460:Cell Line; D006801:Humans; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D018664:Interleukin-12; D016899:Interferon-beta; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a