Yin and yang interplay of IFN-gamma in inflammation and autoimmune disease.
IFN-gamma has long been recognized as a signature proinflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in inflammation and autoimmune disease. There is now emerging evidence indicating that IFN-gamma possesses unexpected properties as a master regulator of immune responses and inflammation. In this issue of the JCI, Guillonneau et al. show that indefinite allograft survival induced by CD40Ig treatment is mediated by CD8(+)CD45RC(low) T cells through the production of IFN-gamma (see the related article beginning on page 1096), supporting the emerging view that IFN-gamma is critical in the self-regulation of inflammation. These contradictory roles of IFN-gamma, perhaps best understood by the principle of yin and yang, represent one of nature's paradoxes, whereby the same cytokine functions as an inducer as well as a regulator for inflammation. Understanding this complex process of IFN-gamma signaling is essential, as it has therapeutic implications.
Zhang
Jingwu
J
Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. jzang@bcm.edu
D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000502:physiology*; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D023001:Transplantation Tolerance / Q000276:immunology; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous / Q000276:immunology; D016709:Yin-Yang
C499839:CD40Ig protein, recombinant; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D007371:Interferon-gamma