Induction of IL-4 by platelet-activating factor

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a phospholipid inflammatory mediator which is synthesized by a variety of cells, including monocytes, endothelial cells, mast cells and neutrophils. PAF acts via a recently cloned PAF receptor, present on monocytes and endothelial cells, but not on non-activated lymphocytes. IL-4 is mainly produced by T lymphocytes, and belongs to the Th2 subset of T helper cells. IL-6 is mainly a monocyte/macrophage-derived cytokine with multiple proinflammatory effects. We here report that PAF induces IL-4 production, as determined by ELISPOT. Antibodies to MHC class II inhibited the IL-4 stimulatory effects of PAF. PAF also had the capacity to induce IgA production, as determined by ELISPOT, and IL-6 production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as determined by ELISA. These PAF-mediated effects were completely inhibited by a specific PAF-receptor antagonist, WEB 2170. Taken together, our data indicate that PAF activates T lymphocytes to IL-4 production by an indirect, monocyte-dependent mechanism dependent on MHC class II. PAF also enhances antibody formation and IL-6 production from PBMC. These findings indicate that PAF activates immune-competent cells, which may be of importance in inflammatory diseases such as asthma, vasculitis and atherosclerosis.     

SLE患者IFN-γ、IL-4及IL-12水平变化及意义

从Th1/Th2细胞代表性细胞因子IFN γ/IL 4和IL 12水平的变化分析SLE患者Th1/Th2细胞的偏移现象。本实验通过半定量PCR法和ELISA酶联免疫检测法检测上述三种细胞因子含量。实验结果显示 ,SLE患者IL 4/IFN γ基因水平比值为0 32 8,高于对照组 (0 0 7)。ELISA检测显示IL 12在SLE患者血清中为 (38 39± 15 1)pg/ml,低于对照组 (84 97± 13 7)pg/ml(P <0 0 5 )。结论 :SLE患者Th1/Th2细胞因子平衡失调 ,IL 4细胞因子基因水平增高 ,同时血清中IL 12水平降低。     

IL-4和IL-4受体基因多态性与成人变应性哮喘的关系

目的　研究白细胞介素 4 (IL 4 )、IL 4受体α链的 2个基因多态性位点与中国成人变应性哮喘的关系。方法　采用病例对照方法 ,用聚合酶链反应 限制性片段长度多态性方法 (PCR RFLP)对IL 4启动子区C - 5 89T和IL 4Rα链Q5 76R进行基因分型。结果　IL 4C - 5 89T与中国成人变应性哮喘无关 ,然而 ,变应性哮喘组IL 4Rα链 5 76R R频率显著性高于对照组 (χ2 =9.36 9,P <0 .0 1;OR =3.797) ,且与血浆高IgE相关。结论　IL 4Rα链 5 76R R基因型是中国成人变应性哮喘的基因危险因子     

IL-13和IL-4在哮喘发病中的作用及相互关系

目的　探讨IL 13在哮喘发病中的作用及其与IL 4的相互关系。方法　哮喘组 2 4例 ,男 17例 ,女 7例 ;健康对照组 2 4例 ,男 12例 ,女 12例。用ELISA法检测不同时段PBMC培养上清IL 13和IL 4水平及加IL 13单克隆抗体 (McAb)和IL 4McAb干预后PBMC培养上清IL 4、IL 12、IL 13和IFN γ水平。结果　 (1)IL 13动态变化 :①对照组PBMC培养 3d、5d、7d水平均较培养 1d水平高 ,差异有显著性 ,培养 3d的水平较培养 5d、7d的高 ,差异有显著性 ;②哮喘组PBMC培养 3d、5d、7d的水平均较培养 1d的水平高 ,差异有显著性 ,培养 5d的水平均较培养 3d、7d的水平高 ,但之间差异无显著性 ;③哮喘组PBMC培养 3d、5d、7d的IL 13水平均较对照组高 ,差异有显著性。 (2 )IL 4动态变化 :①对照组和哮喘组PBMC培养 1d后 ,IL 4水平明显上升 ,第 3天仍保持较高水平 ,第 5、7天明显下降 ;②哮喘组 1d、3d、5d和 7d水平均较对照组高 ,差异有显著性。 (3)IL 4McAb干预后 ,哮喘组和正常组IL 13水平与对应小鼠IgG组相比有显著性降低 ,哮喘组IFN γ水平与对应小鼠IgG组相比有显著性增高。 (4)IL 13McAb干预后IL 12水平在哮喘组和正常组均提高 ,与对应小鼠IgG组相比差异有显著性。 (5 )IL 13McAb和IL 4McAb联合干预后哮喘组I     

Therapeutic targeting of IL-4-and IL-13-responsive cells in pulmonary fibrosis

Severe forms of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP), such as usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), can be impervious to modern steroid and immunosuppressive treatment regimens, thereby emphasizing the need for novel effective therapies. Understanding the cytokine networks that may affect immune and structural cell activation and, hence, the progression of these fatal fibrotic diseases, has been a focus in our research. In this regard, we have examined the role of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 and their respective receptor subunits in this process. Examination of clinical surgical lung biopsies (SLBs) showed that IIP is characterized by the abnormal, heightened expression of the receptor subunits that bind IL-4 and IL-13. Specifically, IL-4Rα and IL-13Rα2 (the high-affinity IL-13 receptor subunit) was present in greater abundance in SLBs and fibroblasts from IIP patients compared with normal patients, who exhibited no evidence of pulmonary fibrosis. These clinical findings prompted us to investigate whether the targeting of pulmonary cell types that were highly responsive to IL-4 and IL-13 was a viable therapeutic option in IIP. Using a chimeric protein comprised of human IL-13 and a truncated version of an exotoxin from Pseudomonas (abbreviated IL13-PE), we observed that IL13-PE selectively targeted human pulmonary fibroblasts grown from IIP SLBs, whereas it had a minimal effect on fibroblasts grown from biopsies from normal patients. In murine models characterized by abnormal airway or interstitial fibrotic responses, the intranasal administration of IL13-PE significantly attenuated the fibrotic response through the targeting of IL-4Rα-and IL-13Rα2-expressing pulmonary cells, including monocytes, macrophages, and pulmonary fibroblasts. Together, these data demonstrate that IL-4 and IL-13 are required for the initiation and maintenance of pulmonary fibrosis, and highlight the importance of further investigation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics that prevent the action of both cytokines during clinical pulmonary fibrosis.     

IL-4 receptor mutations

IL-4 plays an important role in regulating immune responses. Distinct signaling pathways, including those for gene activation and cell differentiation and those for cell proliferation and protection from apoptosis, are initiated from the receptor complex for IL-4 following ligand-receptor engagement. Several advances have been made in our understanding of how distinct functions of IL-4 are mediated. Most of these studies employed artificial mutations of the IL-4-receptor alpha chain using site-directed mutagenesis and/or deletional mutation. In addition, naturally occurring mutations of the IL-4-receptor alpha chain have been identified and implicated as a genetic predisposition for allergic disorders. The results of these studies suggest a modular organization of the receptor and an independent regulation of gene activation and cell growth.     

Mercury-induced renal autoimmunity in the MAXX rat

Inbred Brown Norway (BN) rats treated with mercuric chloride develop autoantibodies to renal basement membranes and an immunologically mediated membranous glomerulonephritis. To date, this experimental rat model of chemically induced autoimmunity has been obtained only in the BN strain, whereas rats from 17 other strains were found to be resistant. This is a disadvantage for mechanistic studies, especially since BN rats have poor fertility. In the present paper we report that the same model can be obtained in another inbred strain of rats, the MAXX, which after exposure to mercury develop a glomerulonephritis characterized by the production of autoantibodies to renal basement membranes. The kinetics of the autoimmune response observed in MAXX rats, as well as the immunohistopathology, histopathology, and proteinuria, are similar to those previously described in BN rats. In addition, the MAXX strain is endowed with excellent fertility. Therefore, both rat strains can be used for comparative studies of the mechanisms of mercury-induced autoimmunity.     

IL-4、IL-13蛋白表达及抗IL-4、IL-13人源单链抗体的筛选

目的:表达IL-4和IL-13蛋白,从人源单链抗体文库中分别筛选抗IL-4和抗IL-13单链抗体.方法:采用RT-PCR从健康志愿者外周血单核细胞(PBMC) mRNA中扩增IL-4和IL-13 cDNA;构建硫氧还蛋白融合表达载体,转化大肠杆菌BL21,IPTG诱导表达并对表达产物进行纯化鉴定.以生物素化的IL-4和IL-13为抗原从前期构建的人源抗体文库中采用噬菌体展示技术分别筛选抗IL-4和抗IL-13人源单链抗体(scFv).结果:扩增的IL-4 cDNA大小为280 bp,表达的融合蛋白大小为27 kD左右.扩增的IL-13 cDNA大小为252 bp,表达的融合蛋白大小为25 kD左右.分别以生物素化的IL-4和IL-13蛋白为抗原,采用噬菌体展示技术对人源抗体文库进行3轮富集后,分别有大约37％的scFvs与IL-4有结合特性,有约27％的scFvs与IL-13有结合特性.筛选了4株分别与IL-4和IL-13结合能力强的单链抗体进行了Westem blot鉴定和测序.结论:成功筛选到抗IL-4和抗IL-13人源性单链抗体.     

IL-13对成纤维细胞IL-13受体和IL-4受体表达的影响

目的研究IL-13对人肺成纤维细胞株HFL-1和人肝星状细胞株LX-2 IL-13受体和IL-4受体表达的调节作用。方法 RT-PCR法检测HFL-1细胞株和LX-2细胞株IL-13Rα1、IL-4R和IL-13Rα2 mRNA的表达;凝胶电泳定量软件Image Tool2.0对RT-PCR电泳条带进行光密度分析;ELISA法检测HFL-1细胞株和LX-2细胞株分泌可溶型IL-13Rα2以及检测细胞裂解液总IL-13Rα1、IL-4R和IL-13Rα2含量。结果 IL-13(5～100 ng/ml)对HFL-1细胞株和LX-2细胞株表达IL-13Rα1和IL-4R无影响;IL-13为5、10、20 ng/ml时能诱导HFL-1细胞株表达IL-13Rα2并呈现剂量依赖,当IL-13为50 ng/ml时,对HFL-1细胞株IL-13Rα2表达的诱导作用明显减弱,IL-13 100 ng/ml组没有检测到HFL-1细胞株IL-13Rα2的表达;LX-2细胞株IL-13Rα2表达缺失且IL-13不能诱导LX-2细胞株表达IL-13Rα2。结论 IL-13不能上调人肺成纤维细胞株HFL-1和人肝星状细胞株LX-2表达功能型受体IL-13Rα1和IL-4R,表明IL-13不能通过上调IL-13Rα1和IL-4R表达量来放大自身作用;一定浓度的IL-13能诱导人肺成纤维细胞株HFL-1表达抑制型受体IL-13Rα2,表明IL-13的自身负调控。     

Paradoxical Roles of IL-4 in Tumor Immunity

Interleukin (IL)-4 is a crucial cytokine in tumor immunology. In the initial murine experiments, IL-4 exhibited potent anti-tumor ability. Tumors genetically modified to produce IL-4 were rejected, while parental tumors grew progressively. Mice rejected IL-4-producing tumors got long-lasting anti-tumor immunity. The comparative study showed that IL-4 induced the most effective immune response among several cytokines in both prophylactic and therapeutic models. All of these indicate IL-4 has strong potential as a tumor therapy agent. However, contrary evidence indeed exists, and is becoming more and more abundant which shows IL-4 is a tumor-promoting molecule. IL-4 amounts are usually elevated in human cancer patients. IL-4 knockout mice are more resistant to tumor challenge than IL-4 competent mice. Furthermore, tumor cells of various histological origins often express increased levels of IL-4 receptor in comparison to their normal counterparts. By carefully examining presently available data, we found the effects of IL-4 in tumor immunity are closely related to its sources, expressing time and dose, as well as the molecular and cellular environments. In this mini-review, we concentrate on illustrating the paradoxical roles and underlying mechanisms of IL-4 in tumor immunity and try to understand how one molecule has opposite effects.     

Virgin T cells do not provide help for antigen-specific B cells in the absence of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-6

We have used a mAb, 23G2, directed against the B exon of themurine CD45 molecule to identify and separate two subpopulationsof normal peripheral CD4+ T cells. Examination of these twosubpopulatlons indicates that they correspond to virgin (T_v)(CD45R_Bhl) and memory (T_m) (CD45R_B10) cells. In this reportwe have determined the abilities of T_v and T_m cells to provideantigen-specific, cognate help to hapten-specific antigen-bindingB cells. To this end we have enriched T_v and T_m cell populationsfrom splenic CD4+ T cells and have cultured these cells withTNP-specific antigen-binding cells (TNP-ABCs) and specific antigen.We then examined the ability of T_v and T_m cells to promote Igsecretion by the B cells. Both T_m and T_v cells Interact withantigen-presenting B cells as assessed by proliferation andlymphoklne secretion. However, T_m, but not T_v, cells promotesubstantial Ig secretion by TNP-ABCs in the presence of antigen.When either IL-6 or IL-4 plus IL-5 are added to cultures ofT_v cells, B cells and antigen, Ig secretion is restored. Thus,T_v cells Interact effectively with B cells to Induce an activationsignal, but in the absence of IL-4 plus IL-5 or IL-6 lymphoklnes,which are not secreted by T_v cells, these cells do not providehelp for an antibody response. Hence, naive, peripheral T_v cellsmust undergo an antigen-dependent differentiation step intoT_m and secrete IL-4, IL-5, and IL-6 before they can Induce Bcells to secrete antibody.     

Ovarian autoimmunity: greater frequency of autoantibodies in premature menopause and unexplained infertility than in the general population

The objective of this study was to: (1) assess the relative prevalence of ovarian, thyroid, nuclear, and cardiolipin antibodies associated with premature menopause and unexplained infertility and (2) compare ovarian and thyroid antibodies in premature menopause, unexplained infertility, and the general population. Autoantibodies were evaluated in women with premature menopause (n = 30), unexplained infertility with (n = 38) or without (n = 15) prior gonadotropin-induced ovulation, and normal cycling controls (n = 12) and in a population of women obtained from a blood bank (n = 53). Antibodies to ovary (OVAB), thyroid (THYAB; thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin), cardiolipin, and eight nuclear antigens were assessed by enzyme immunoassay. Organ-specific antibodies (ovary and thyroid) were present with significantly greater frequency than non-organ-specific antibodies (nuclear and cardiolipin) in premature menopause and unexplained infertility (60% (50/83) vs 16% (13/83) respectively; P < 0.0001). OVAB (53%, 44/83) were significantly more frequent than THYAB (30%, 25/83) in premature menopause and unexplained infertility (P = 0.0030). THYAB did not differ among all groups (P = 0.78). In premature menopause and treated or untreated unexplained infertility OVAB frequencies were 53, 61, and 33%, respectively, and were significantly more frequent than in the population (17%) (P = 0.0001). In unexplained infertility, individuals with no prior gonadotropin-induced ovulation had a lower frequency of OVAB than treated individuals (P = 0.07). The frequency distribution of optical density values for OVAB was significantly higher for premature menopause and unexplained infertility than for population or normal cycling women (P < 0.0001). Thus, only ovarian antibodies were significantly more frequent than other antibody markers of autoimmunity in premature menopause and unexplained infertility.     

Treatment of old mice with IL-2 corrects dysregulated IL-2 and IL-4 production

Splenic T cells from old BALB/c mice, activated in vitro withantibody to CD3e, secrete more IL-4 but less IL-2 than splenicT cells from young mice. The age-associated increase in IL-4secretion is associated with a significantly increased concentrationof intracellular IL-4 and its mRNA, although there is no increasein the number of activated T cells with intracellular IL-4.In contrast, the age-associated decrease in IL-2 secretion isassociated with a significant decrease in the number of activatedT cells with intracellular IL-2. In vivo there is a similarage-associated change in the number of activated T cells withdetectable cytokine. The number of activated T cells with intracellularIL-4 is comparable in old and young mice, while the number ofactivated T cells with intracellular IL-2 is significantly decreasedin old compared with young mice. Of great interest is the factthat old mice continuously exposed to IL-2 In vivo followingthe transplantation of J558 cells expressing the transfectedIL-2 gene product have an increased number of splenic T cellswith intracellular IL-2 that equals the level of such cellsobserved in young mice. Most important, the effect of continuousIL-2 administration in vitro was stable as spleen cells fromold, IL-2-treated mice when stimulated in vitro with anti-CD3ehad a young-like pattern of both intracellular IL-2 and IL-4expression as well as IL-2 and IL-4 secretion following in vitroactivation. Thus, it appears that exposure of old mice to exogenousIL-2 can redress the age-associated imbalance in cytokine expressionin vivo and cytokine secretion in vitro.     

Somatic mutagenesis in autoimmunity

Our laboratory investigates systemic autoimmune disease in the context of mouse models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is associated with high titers of serum autoantibodies of the IgG class that are predominantly directed against nuclear antigens, with pathological manifestations that are considered by many to be characteristic of an immune-complex mediated disease. In this review, we focus on the known and potential roles of somatic mutagenesis in SLE. We will argue that anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) arise predominantly from nonautoreactive B cells that are transformed into autoreactive cells by the process of somatic hypermutation (SHM), which is normally associated with affinity maturation during the germinal center reaction. We will also discuss the role of SHM in creating antigenic peptides in the V region of the B cell receptor (BCR) and its potential to open an avenue of unregulated T cell help to autoreactive B cells. Finally, we will end this review with new experimental evidence suggesting that spontaneous somatic mutagenesis of genes that regulate B cell survival and activation is a rate-limiting causative factor in the development of ANA.     

Thiol compounds inhibit mercury-induced immunological and immunopathological alterations in susceptible mice

In vitro mercury induces a high proliferative response in splenic lymphocytes and in vivo it induces a systemic autoimmune disease in susceptible mouse strains. This disease is characterized by increased serum levels of IgE and IgG1 antibodies, by the production of anti-nucleolar antibodies and by the formation of renal immune complex deposits. We have previously found that the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) inhibited mercury-induced cell proliferation in vitro. In this study, we tested the effects of four other thiol compounds, namely dithiothreitol (DTT), l-cysteine, meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (meso-DMSA) and 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid, Na salt (DMPS) on mercury-induced immunological changes both in vitro and in vivo. We found that in vitro, the addition of all thiol compounds abrogated mercury-induced cell aggregation and proliferation. In vivo, injection of meso-DMSA and/or DMPS (s.c. or i.p.) immediately following exposure to mercury markedly decreased IgG1 synthesis in spleen cells and serum IgE levels in mercury-susceptible SJL mice. Treatment with DMPS also prevented mercury-induced IgG1 anti-nucleolar antibody synthesis and the development of mesangial IgG1 immune complex deposits in SJL mice.     

Effects of deviating the Th2-response in murine mercury-induced autoimmunity towards a Th1-response

T-helper cells type 1 (Th1) and type 2 (Th2) play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In many Th1-dependent autoimmune models, treatment with recombinant interleukin-12 (rIL-12) accelerates the autoimmune response. Mercury-induced autoimmunity (HgIA) in mice is an H-2 regulated condition with antinucleolar antibodies targeting fibrillarin (ANoA), systemic immune-complex (IC) deposits and transient polyclonal B-cell activation (PBA). HgIA has many characteristics of a Th2 type of reaction, including a strong increase of IgE, but disease induction is critically dependent on the Th1 cytokine IFN-gamma. The aim of this study was to investigate if a strong deviation of the immune response in HgIA towards Th1 would aggravate HgIA. Injections of both rIL-12 and anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibody (alpha-IL-4) reduced the HgCl2-(Hg-)induced concentration of the Th2-dependent serum IgE and IgG1, but increased the Th1-dependent serum IgG2a. The IgG-ANoA developed earlier and attained a higher titre after combined treatment, and the ANoA titre of the IgG1 isotype decreased while the ANoA titre of the Th1-associated IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3-ANoA isotypes increased. Treatment with rIL-12 alone increased the Hg-induced IgG2a and IgG3 ANoA titres, the PBA, and the IC deposits in renal and splenic vessel walls, while treatment with alpha-IL-4 + Hg inhibited renal but not splenic vessel wall IC deposits. We conclude that manipulating the cytokine status, by altering the Th1/Th2 balance, will influence autoimmune disease manifestations. This might be an important way of modulating human autoimmune diseases.     

变应性鼻炎病人IL-4、IL-5和GM-CSF的水平观察

变态反应性鼻炎的发病机理与诸多细胞因子有关的现象，近年来已越来越受到国内外学者的重视[1］。变态反应性鼻炎发作时细胞因子的产生及炎性介质的参与均与机体异常的免疫调节有关，即存在T辅助细胞（TH）亚群功能失调，通过释放细胞因子，促进IgE的合成与分泌，并增加炎症细胞的浸润和活化。本文观察变应性鼻炎病人血清IL-4、IL-5和GM-CSF水平变化，为变应性鼻炎的防治提供依据。1材料与方法1. 1研究对象实验组为本院变态反应专科门诊确诊为尘螨变应性鼻炎（1997年修订，海口，变应性鼻炎诊断标准）病人86例，其中男性46例，女性40…     

IL-2、IL-4和IL-7体外诱导人外周血淋巴因子激活的杀伤细胞效应的比较

比较了淋巴因子ＩＬ－２、ＩＬ－４和ＩＬ－７在体外诱导健康人外周血淋巴因子激活的杀伤 （ＬＡＫ）细胞活性的效应。结果表明，ＩＬ－７可单独，亦可与ＩＬ－２、ＩＬ－４协同诱导ＬＡＫ细胞，而且ＩＬ－７ 诱导ＬＡＫ细胞的效应不被抗ＩＬ－２、抗ＩＬ－４所抑制。ＩＬ－７单独诱导的ＬＡＫ细胞活性高峰迟于ＩＬ－ ２或ＩＬ－４所诱导的活性高峰，且与增殖反应曲线一致。抗ＣＤ８抗体明显抑制ＩＬ－７诱导ＬＡＫ细胞 的效应，而ＩＬ－７诱导ＬＡＫ细胞的效应不能被抗ＮＫＨ－１所抑制。提示：ＩＬ－７ 激活ＬＡＫ细胞的效应 机制不依赖ＩＬ－２和ＩＬ－４，并很可能成为肿瘤过继治疗中的重要淋巴因子。     

Interleukin-10 in murine metal-induced systemic autoimmunity

Systemic autoimmune diseases have a complicated and largely unknown aetiology and pathogenesis, but they are at least partly obeying the rules of an ordinary immune response. Cytokines are therefore important in the pathogenesis as demonstrated by the recent success in treating rheumatoid arthritis with anti-cytokine agents. The suppressive functions in the immune system have lately received much interest. One of the cytokines in focus in this respect is interleukin (IL)-10. We recently observed that in heavy-metal induced systemic autoimmunity, genetically resistant mice show a strong increase in IL-10 mRNA expression, which was not seen in susceptible mice. We have therefore examined the possible regulating effect of IL-10 on the induction and manifestation of systemic autoimmunity in this model. We took two approaches: a targeted mutation of the IL-10 gene in a strain resistant to heavy metal-induced autoimmunity, and treatment with recombinant IL-10 in the genetically susceptible A.SW strain during the induction of autoimmunity by metals. The wild-type C57BL/6 J (B6-WT) strain did not react with lymphoproliferation, polyclonal B cell activation, anti-nucleoar autoantibodies (ANoA) or tissue immune-complex (IC) deposits in response to inorganic mercury (Hg) or silver (Ag). However, serum IgG1 and IgE showed a modest increase during Hg treatment, while Ag caused a weak increase in IgE and IgG2a. The B6.129P2-Il10(tm1Cgn)/J strain (IL-10-deficient mice) did not develop antinucleolar antibodies (ANoA) during Hg treatment, but showed a higher median titre of homogeneous ANA compared with Hg-treated B6-WT mice. Both control and Hg-treated (but not Ag-treated) IL-10-deficient mice showed an increase in splenic weight and serum IgG1 compared with B6-WT control and Hg-treated mice. An early, significant increase in serum IgE was seen in Hg-treated IL-10-deficient and WT mice compared with the controls; the increase was 42- and sixfold, respectively. During ongoing intense treatment with rIL-10 in combination with Hg the susceptible A.SW mice showed a reduced development of ANoA and antichromatin antibodies, as well as serum IgE, compared with mice receiving Hg but not rIL-10. In conclusion, IL-10 suppresses several aspects of HgIA, but is not crucial for resistance to heavy metal-induced autoimmunity. Peroral silver treatment suppresses the spontaneous immune activation seen in IL-10-deficient mice.     

Increased spontaneous secretion of IL-6 from B cells of patients with B chronic lymphatic leukaemia (B-CLL) and autoimmunity.

We studied B cells from 18 patients with B-CLL, six of them with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, for spontaneous secretion of IL-6. Our aim was to determine whether the increased incidence of autoimmune disease found in B-CLL patients is associated with enhanced spontaneous IL-6 secretion. IL-6 was measured by the effect of B cell supernatants on the proliferation of an IL-6 dependent plasmacytoma cell line T1165. The highest IL-6 values (7.4 +/- 1.8 U/ml) were measured in supernatants derived on day 3 of culture from lymphocytes of the six patients with B-CLL and concomitant autoimmune disease. The maximal IL-6 values for 10 patients with B-CLL only were 2.8 +/- 0.3 U/ml and for 10 age-matched controls, 0.8 +/- 0.3 U/ml (P less than 0.01, each group compared with the other). We conclude that there is an association between B-CLL, autoimmune disease and the spontaneous in vitro secretion of IL-6. Further studies are needed to determine whether the IL-6 secretion plays a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease in patients with B-CLL.