Dimeric galectin-1 induces IL-10 production in T-lymphocytes: an important tool in the regulation of the immune response.
Galectin-1, a beta-galactoside binding protein that can occur as both a monomer and a homodimer, binds to leucocyte membrane antigens such as CD7, CD43, and CD45, and has immune-regulatory functions in several animal models of autoimmune disease. However, its mechanism of action is only partially understood. In this study, a marked increase in IL-10 mRNA and protein levels was demonstrated in non-activated and activated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells, following treatment with a high concentration (dimeric form), but not a low concentration (monomeric form), of recombinant galectin-1 protein. IL-10 is known to suppress TH1 type immune responses and upregulation of IL-10 may thus contribute to the immune-regulatory function of galectin-1. Galectin-1 was strongly expressed on the endothelial cells of human kidney allografts, suggesting a role in the regulation of immune responses in transplantation. Administration of high concentrations of galectin-1 may be a useful tool in the treatment of T-cell-mediated diseases.
van der Leij
Judith
J
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Groningen University Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands.
van den Berg
Anke
A
Blokzijl
Tjasso
T
Harms
Geert
G
van Goor
Harry
H
Zwiers
Peter
P
van Weeghel
Rob
R
Poppema
Sibrand
S
Visser
Lydia
L
D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000276:immunology; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000276:immunology; D037483:Galectin 1 / Q000276:immunology*; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007668:Kidney / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000276:immunology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D015854:Up-Regulation / Q000276:immunology
D015703:Antigens, CD; D037483:Galectin 1; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016753:Interleukin-10; D007371:Interferon-gamma