Cooperative B7-1/2 (CD80/CD86) and B7-DC costimulation of CD4+ T cells independent of the PD-1 receptor

B7-DC is a recently discovered member of the B7 family that binds to PD-1 and is selectively expressed by dendritic cells (DCs). It has been shown to either costimulate or inhibit T cell responses. To assess the role of B7-DC in DC-T cell interactions, DCs from B7-DC knockout (KO) mice were generated and compared with DCs from wild-type (WT) and B7-1/B7-2 double KO mice. B7-1/B7-2-deficient DCs, while strongly diminished in their ability to stimulate naive CD4+ T cells, nonetheless retain partial activity. DCs from B7-DC KO mice are diminished in their ability to activate CD4+ T cells, demonstrating that DC-expressed B7-DC serves a predominantly stimulatory rather than inhibitory function in the initiation of T cell responses. B7-DC costimulates expression of CD40L with faster kinetics than B7-1 and displays potent synergy with B7-1 and B7-2 for T cell proliferation and cytokine production, indicating that these B7 family members work in concert to stimulate T cells. Finally, costimulation with B7-DC alone or in conjunction with B7-1 is PD-1 independent, indicating that B7-DC costimulates T cells via a second receptor.     

Cross-linking the B7 family molecule B7-DC directly activates immune functions of dendritic cells

B7-DC molecules are known to function as ligands on antigen-presenting cells (APCs), enhancing T cell activation. In this study, cross-linking B7-DC with the monoclonal antibody sHIgM12 directly potentiates dendritic cell (DC) function by enhancing DC presentation of major histocompatibility complex-peptide complexes, promoting DC survival; and increasing secretion of interleukin (IL)-12p70, a key T helper cell type 1 promoting cytokine. Furthermore, ex vivo treatment of DCs or systemic treatment of mice with sHIgM12 increases the number of transplanted DCs that reach draining lymph nodes and increases the ability of lymph node APCs to activate naive T cells. Systemic administration of the antibody has an equivalent effect on DCs transferred at a distant site. These findings implicate B7-DC expressed on DCs in bidirectional communication. In addition to the established costimulatory and inhibitory functions associated with B7-DC, this molecule can also function as a conduit for extracellular signals to DCs modifying DC functions.     

In vivo costimulatory role of B7-DC in tuning T helper cell 1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses

B7-DC, one of the recently described B7 family members, has the capacity to inhibit T cell responses via engagement of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif-containing inhibitory PD-1 receptor as well as enhance responses via an as yet unidentified costimulatory receptor. B7-DC is highly homologous to a coinhibitory B7 family member, B7-H1, which also binds PD-1. It is currently unclear which B7-DC function-costimulation or inhibition-predominates in vivo. To study in vivo functions of B7-DC, we evaluated immune responses in B7-DC knockout (KO) mice. Although not eliminated, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production by CD4 T cells and IFN-gamma-dependent humoral responses were reduced in B7-DC KO mice relative to wild type mice. Antigen-specific CD8 T cell responses and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity were also diminished in B7-DC KO mice. Hepatic tumors grew more quickly in B7-DC KO mice, associated with a decrease in intrahepatic tumor-specific CD8 T cells. These results highlight the contrasting in vivo roles of B7-DC and B7-H1 and indicate that B7-DC functions as a tuning molecule, selectively augmenting T helper 1 and CTL responses.     

Indirect Recruitment of a CD40 Signaling Pathway in Dendritic Cells by B7-DC Cross-Linking Antibody Modulates T Cell Functions

The human IgM B7-DC XAb protects mice from tumors in both therapeutic and prophylactic settings. Its mechanism of action is mediated by its binding to B7-DC/PD-L2 molecules on the surface of dendritic cells (DCs) to induce a multimolecular cap and subsequent activation of signaling cascades that determine a unique combination of DC phenotypes. One such phenotype, the B7-DC XAb-induced antigen accumulation in mTLR-matured DCs, has been linked to signaling through TREM-2, but the signals required for other DC phenotypes critical for the therapeutic effects in animal models remain unclear. Here, FRET and co-immunoprecipitation studies show that CD40 is recruited to the multi-molecular complex by B7-DC XAb. Signals emanating from CD40 are important, as CD40^−/− DCs treated with B7-DC XAb (DC^XAb) activated DAP12, but failed to activate NFκB, and were not protected from cell death upon cytokine withdrawal or treatment with Vitamin D₃. CD40^−/− DC^XAb also failed to secrete IL-6 and were unable to support the conversion of T regulatory cells into IL-17+ effector T cells in vitro. Importantly, the expression of CD40 was required for the overall ability of B7-DC XAb to induce anti-tumor CTL, to provide protection from a number of tumor types, and for DC^XAb to be effective anti-tumor vaccines in vivo. These results indicate that B7-DC XAb modulation of DC phenotypes is through its ability to indirectly recruit common signaling molecules and elements of their endogenous signaling pathways through targeted binding to a cell-specific surface determinant.     

Functional specialization of gut CD103+ dendritic cells in the regulation of tissue-selective T cell homing

Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) dendritic cells (DCs) display a unique ability to generate CCR9+alpha4beta7+ gut-tropic CD8+ effector T cells. We demonstrate efficient induction of CCR9 and alpha4beta7 on CD8+ T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) after oral but not intraperitoneal (i.p.) antigen administration indicating differential targeting of DCs via the oral route. In vitro, lamina propria (LP)-derived DCs were more potent than MLN or Peyer's patch DCs in their ability to generate CCR9+alpha4beta7+ CD8+ T cells. The integrin alpha chain CD103 (alphaE) was expressed on almost all LP DCs, a subset of MLN DCs, but on few splenic DCs. CD103+ MLN DCs were reduced in number in CCR7-/- mice and, although CD8+ T cells proliferated in the MLNs of CCR7-/- mice after i.p. but not oral antigen administration, they failed to express CCR9 and had reduced levels of alpha4beta7. Strikingly, although CD103+ and CD103- MLN DCs were equally potent at inducing CD8+ T cell proliferation and IFN-gamma production, only CD103+ DCs were capable of generating gut-tropic CD8+ effector T cells in vitro. Collectively, these results demonstrate a unique function for LP-derived CD103+ MLN DCs in the generation of gut-tropic effector T cells.     

Molecular modeling and functional mapping of B7-H1 and B7-DC uncouple costimulatory function from PD-1 interaction

B7-H1 and B7-DC are ligands for PD-1, a receptor implicated in negative regulation of T and B cell functions. These ligands, however, also costimulate T cell responses. It remains elusive whether or not costimulation is mediated through PD-1. By comparative molecular modeling and site-directed mutagenesis, we found that nonconserved residues between these ligands on the A'GFCC'C" face mediate interaction with PD-1. This indicates significant structural heterogeneity of the interactions between PD-1 and its ligands. Importantly, ligand mutants with abolished PD-1 binding capacity could still costimulate proliferation and cytokine production of T cells from normal and PD-1-deficient mice. Our results reveal unique binding characteristics of B7-H1 and B7-DC and provide direct evidence for an independent costimulatory receptor other than PD-1.     

Antigen-dependent and -independent Ca2+ Responses Triggered in T Cells by Dendritic Cells Compared with B Cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) are much more potent antigen (Ag)-presenting cells than resting B cells for the activation of naive T cells. The mechanisms underlying this difference have been analyzed under conditions where ex vivo DCs or B cells presented known numbers of specific Ag–major histocompatibility complex (MHC) complexes to naive CD4⁺ T cells from T cell antigen receptor (TCR) transgenic mice. Several hundred Ag–MHC complexes presented by B cells were necessary to elicit the formation of a few T–B conjugates with small contact zones, and the resulting individual T cell Ca²⁺ responses were all-or-none. In contrast, Ag-specific T cell Ca²⁺ responses can be triggered by DCs bearing an average of 30 Ag–MHC complexes per cell. Formation of T–DC conjugates is Ag-independent, but in the presence of the Ag, the surface of the contact zone increases and so does the amplitude of the T cell Ca²⁺ responses. These results suggest that Ag is better recognized by T cells on DCs essentially because T–DC adhesion precedes Ag recognition, whereas T–B adhesion requires Ag recognition. Surprisingly, we also recorded small Ca²⁺ responses in T cells interacting with unpulsed DCs. Using DCs purified from MHC class II knockout mice, we provide evidence that this signal is mostly due to MHC–TCR interactions. Such an Ag-independent, MHC-triggered calcium response could be a survival signal that DCs but not B cells are able to deliver to naive T cells.     

Murine B7-2, an alternative CTLA4 counter-receptor that costimulates T cell proliferation and interleukin 2 production

The B7-1 molecule, expressed on antigen presenting cells (APC), provides a crucial costimulatory signal for T cell activation. Recent studies demonstrate the existence of alternative, non-B7-1 CTLA4 counter-receptors in mice and humans. Here, we describe the molecular cloning and demonstrate costimulatory function of the murine B7-2 (mB7- 2) gene. Murine B7-2 cDNA encodes a member of the Ig supergene family that binds CTLA4-Ig and stains with the GL1 but not anti-mB7-1 mAb. Murine B7-2 costimulates the proliferation and interleukin 2 production of CD4+ T cells and this costimulation can be inhibited by either CTLA4- Ig or GL1 mAb. Identification of the B7-2 molecule will permit further manipulation of the B7:CD28/CTLA4 costimulatory pathway which has been shown to be involved in the prevention of tolerance, induction of tumor immunity, and most recently, in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity.     

Costimulating aberrant T cell responses by B7-H1 autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis

A pathogenic hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is persistent activation of self-reactive CD4(+) T cells. The cause of this aberrant activity remains elusive. We report here detection of autoantibodies against B7-H1, a recently described member of the B7 family, in 29% of patients with RA versus 4% of healthy donors. High-level expression of cell surface B7-H1 are found on activated human CD4(+), CD8(+), and CD45RO(+) T cells. Immobilized autoantibodies to B7-H1 are capable of costimulating the proliferation of CD4(+) T cells in vitro, and the presence of these autoantibodies correlates with active disease status. Using immobilized B7-H1 mAb's and programmed death 1Ig, we demonstrate that engagement of B7-H1 on CD4(+) T cells costimulates proliferation and secretion of IL-10, and subsequently leads to programmed cell death, accompanied with upregulated expression of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand and activation of caspase-3. Taken together with our previous findings, these data indicate a bidirectional signaling role of B7-H1 in T cell costimulation and apoptosis and implicate B7-H1 autoantibodies as contributing to the progression of RA by inducing aberrant T cell responses.     

A member of the dendritic cell family that enters B cell follicles and stimulates primary antibody responses identified by a mannose receptor fusion protein.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are known to activate naive T cells to become effective helper cells. In addition, recent evidence suggests that DCs may influence naive B cells during the initial priming of antibody responses. In this study, using three-color confocal microscopy and three-dimensional immunohistograms, we have observed that in the first few days after a primary immunization, cells with dendritic morphology progressively localize within primary B cell follicles. These cells were identified by their ability to bind a fusion protein consisting of the terminal cysteine-rich portion of the mouse mannose receptor and the Fc portion of human immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 (CR-Fc). In situ, these CR-Fc binding cells express major histocompatibility complex class II, sialoadhesin, and CD11c and are negative for other markers identifying the myeloid DC lineage, such as (CD11b), macrophages (F4/80), follicular DCs (FDC-M2), B cells (B220), and T cells (CD4). Using CR-Fc binding capacity and flow cytometry, the cells were purified from the draining lymph nodes of mice 24 h after immunization. When injected into naive mice, these cells were able to prime T cells as well as induce production of antigen-specific IgM and IgG1. Furthermore, they produced significantly more of the lymphocyte chemoattractant, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, than isolated interdigitating cells. Taken together, these results provide evidence that a subset of DCs enters primary follicles, armed with the capacity to attract and provide antigenic stimulation for T and B lymphocytes.     

Protective T cell immunity in mice following protein-TLR7/8 agonist-conjugate immunization requires aggregation, type I IFN, and multiple DC subsets

The success of a non-live vaccine requires improved formulation and adjuvant selection to generate robust T cell immunity following immunization. Here, using protein linked to a TLR7/8 agonist (conjugate vaccine), we investigated the functional properties of vaccine formulation, the cytokines, and the DC subsets required to induce protective multifunctional T cell immunity in vivo. The conjugate vaccine required aggregation of the protein to elicit potent Th1 CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. Remarkably, the conjugate vaccine, through aggregation of the protein and activation of TLR7 in vivo, led to an influx of migratory DCs to the LN and increased antigen uptake by several resident and migratory DC subsets, with the latter effect strongly influenced by vaccine-induced type I IFN. Ex vivo migratory CD8-DEC205+CD103-CD326- langerin-negative dermal DCs were as potent in cross-presenting antigen to naive CD8+ T cells as CD11c+CD8+ DCs. Moreover, these cells also influenced Th1 CD4+ T cell priming. In summary, we propose a model in which broad-based T cell-mediated responses upon vaccination can be maximized by codelivery of aggregated protein and TLR7/8 agonist, which together promote optimal antigen acquisition and presentation by multiple DC subsets in the context of critical proinflammatory cytokines.     

Human monocyte-derived dendritic cells induce naive T cell differentiation into T helper cell type 2 (Th2) or Th1/Th2 effectors. Role of stimulator/responder ratio

The subset of dendritic cells (DCs) and the nature of the signal inducing DC maturation determine the capacity of DCs to generate polarized immune responses. In this study, we show that the ability of human monocyte-derived DCs (myeloid DC(1)) to promote T helper type 1 (Th1) or Th2 differentiation was also found to be critically dependent on stimulator/responder ratio. At a low ratio (1:300), mature DCs that have been differentiated after inflammatory (Staphylococcus aureus Cowan 1 or lipopolysaccharide) or T cell-dependent (CD40 ligand) stimulation induced naive T cells to become Th2 (interleukin [IL]-4(+), IL-5(+), interferon gamma) effectors. Th2 differentiation was dependent on B7-CD28 costimulation and enhanced by OX40-OX40 ligand interactions. However, high DC/T cell ratio (1:4) favored a mixed Th1/Th2 cell development. Thus, the fact that the same DC lineage stimulates polarized Th1 or Th2 responses may be relevant since it allows the antigen-presenting cells to initiate an appropriate response for the signal received at the peripheral sites. Controlling the number and the rate of DC migration to the T cell areas in lymphoid tissues may be important for the therapeutic use of DCs.     

CD28 interaction with B7 costimulates primary allogeneic proliferative responses and cytotoxicity mediated by small, resting T lymphocytes

Engagement of the CD3/T cell antigen receptor complex on small, resting T cells is insufficient to trigger cell-mediated cytotoxicity or to induce a proliferative response. In the present study, we have used genetic transfection to demonstrate that interaction of the B7-BB1 B cell activation antigen with the CD28 T cell differentiation antigen costimulates cell-mediated cytotoxicity and proliferation initiated by either anti-CD2 or anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb). Moreover, a B7-negative Burkitt's lymphoma cell line that fails to stimulate an allogeneic mixed lymphocyte response is rendered a potent stimulator after transfection with B7. The mixed leukocyte reaction proliferative response against the B7 transfectant is inhibited by either anti-CD28 or B7 mAb. We also demonstrate that freshly isolated small, resting human T cells can mediate anti-CD3 or anti-CD2 mAb-redirected cytotoxicity against a murine Fc receptor-bearing mastocytoma transfected with human B7. These preexisting cytotoxic T lymphocytes in peripheral blood are present in both the CD4 and CD8 subsets, but are preferentially within the CD45RO+ "memory" population. While small, resting T cells apparently require costimulation by CD28/B7 interactions, this requirement is lost after T cell activation. Anti-CD3 initiates a cytotoxic response mediated by in vitro cultured T cell clones in the absence of B7 ligand. The existence of functional cytolytic T cells in the small, resting T cell population may be advantageous in facilitating rapid responses to immune challenge.     

CD28-induced costimulation of T helper type 2 cells mediated by induction of responsiveness to interleukin 4

Type 1 and type 2 cloned T helper (Th) cells are believed to require different antigen-presenting cell (APC)-derived costimuli for proliferation. In the case of Th1-cloned T cells, CD28 signaling costimulates production of autocrine interleukin 2 (IL-2). Th2 cells produce their autocrine growth factor, IL-4, without costimulation, but require APC-derived costimuli, or IL-1, to respond to IL-4. Here we demonstrate that engagement of CD28 on Th2 cells with anti-CD28 antibody or with APC-associated B7 costimulates Th2 responsiveness to IL-4 but does not affect IL-4 or IL-2 production by Th2 cells. Costimulation of Th2 cells via CD28 appears to involve the induction of IL-1 production by Th2 cells, which acts in an autocrine fashion to induce IL-4 responsiveness. These results suggest that CD28-induced costimulation plays an important role in responses mediated by both types of Th cells.     

B lymphocytes regulate dendritic cell (DC) function in vivo: increased interleukin 12 production by DCs from B cell-deficient mice results in T helper cell type 1 deviation

Increasing evidence indicates that dendritic cells (DCs) are the antigen-presenting cells of the primary immune response. However, several reports suggest that B lymphocytes could be required for optimal T cell sensitization. We compared the immune responses of wild-type and B cell-deficient (muMT) mice, induced by antigen emulsified in adjuvant or pulsed on splenic dendritic cells. Our data show that lymph node cells from both control and muMT animals were primed, but each released distinct cytokine profiles. Lymph node T cells from control animals secreted interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-4, whereas those from muMT mice produced IFN-gamma and IL-2 but no IL-4. To test whether B cells may influence the T helper cell type 1 (Th1)/Th2 balance by affecting the function of DCs, we immunized mice by transferring antigen-pulsed DCs from wild-type or mutant mice. Injection of control DCs induced the secretion of IL-4, IFN-gamma, and IL-2, whereas administration of DCs from muMT animals failed to sensitize cells to produce IL-4. Analysis of IL-12 production revealed that DCs from muMT mice produce higher levels of IL-12p70 than do DCs from wild-type animals. These data suggest that B lymphocytes regulate the capacity of DCs to promote IL-4 secretion, possibly by downregulating their secretion of IL-12, thereby favoring the induction of a nonpolarized immune response.     

白血病细胞系来源的树突状细胞诱导及其抗肿瘤免疫功能研究

树突状细胞（DC）在抗肿瘤免疫反应中起关键作用，但大多数白血病病病人有DC功能缺陷，在外体扩增DC并增强其抗肿瘤免疫功能及以DC为基础的肿瘤疫苗是对白血病有效的免疫治疗方法，为了探讨由不同的髓性白血病细胞诱生DC的条件及其抗白血病反应，选用HL－60，K562和THP－1细胞与不同的细胞因子组合诱生DC，以光学和电子显微镜术观察形态特征，用流式细胞术和单克隆抗体检测细胞表型，以同种混合淋巴细胞反应观察刺激淋巴细胞增殖，用^51Cr释放法检测诱生细胞的细胞术和单克隆抗体检测细胞表型，以同种混合淋巴细胞反应观察刺激淋巴细胞增殖，用^51Cr释放法检测诱生细胞的细胞毒作用，用ELISA法测定DC培养及DC＋血单个核细胞培养的血清中IL－12及INF－γ的量，结果表明，由K562，HL－60和THP－1细胞诱生的DC具有村突状细胞的形太学特征，细胞表达DC的表面分化抗原，其中GM－CSF＋IL－4＋TNF-γ刺激HL－60－DC和THP－DC和GMCSF＋IL－4＋IL－12刺激的K562－DC中有抗原表达。3种细胞诱生的DC对混合淋巴细胞反应CTL反应有强刺激细胞因子能诱导髓性白细胞产生DC，不同细胞需要不同的细胞因子和培养条件，这些DC表达抗原呈递细胞的表型具有刺激T淋巴细胞增殖和诱导CTL反应以及分泌IL－2和促进T细胞分泌INF－γ的作用。     

Regulatory T cells can migrate to follicles upon T cell activation and suppress GC-Th cells and GC-Th cell-driven B cell responses

How Tregs migrate to GCs, and whether they regulate the helper activity of the T cells in GCs (GC-Th cells) remains poorly understood. We found a T cell subset in human tonsils that displays potent suppressive activities toward GC-Th cell-dependent B cell responses. These Tregs with the surface phenotype of CD4+CD25+CD69- migrate well to CCL19, a chemokine expressed in the T cell zone, but poorly to CXCL13, a chemokine expressed in the B cell zone. This migration toward the T cell-rich zone rapidly changes to trafficking toward B cell follicles upon T cell activation. This change in chemotactic behavior upon activation of T cells is consistent with their switch in the expression of the 2 chemokine receptors CXCR5 and CCR7. CD4+CD25+CD69- Tregs suppress GC-Th cells and GC-Th cell-induced B cell responses such as Ig production, survival, and expression of activation-induced cytosine deaminase. Our results have identified a subset of Tregs that is physiologically relevant to GC-Th cell-dependent B cell responses and a potential regulation mechanism for the trafficking of these Tregs to GCs.     

Freshly isolated Peyer's patch, but not spleen, dendritic cells produce interleukin 10 and induce the differentiation of T helper type 2 cells.

Orally administered antigens often generate immune responses that are distinct from those injected systemically. The role of antigen-presenting cells in determining the type of T helper cell response induced at mucosal versus systemic sites is unclear. Here we examine the phenotypic and functional differences between dendritic cells (DCs) freshly isolated from Peyer's patches (PP) and spleen (SP). Surface phenotypic analysis of CD11c(+) DC populations revealed that PP DCs expressed higher levels of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules, but similar levels of costimulatory molecules and adhesion molecules compared with SP DCs. Freshly isolated, flow cytometrically sorted 98-100% pure CD11c(+) DC populations from PP and SP were compared for their ability to stimulate naive T cells. First, PP DCs were found to be much more potent in stimulating allogeneic T cell proliferation compared with SP DCs. Second, by using naive T cells from ovalbumin peptide-specific T cell receptor transgenic mice, these ex vivo DCs derived from PP, but not from SP, were found to prime for the production of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 (Th2 cytokines). In addition, PP DCs were found to prime T cells for the production of much lower levels of interferon (IFN)-gamma (Th1) compared with SP DCs. The presence of neutralizing antibody against IL-10 in the priming culture dramatically enhanced IFN-gamma production by T cells stimulated with PP DCs. Furthermore, stimulation of freshly isolated PP DCs via the CD40 molecule resulted in secretion of high levels of IL-10, whereas the same stimulus induced no IL-10 secretion from SP DCs. These results suggest that DCs residing in different tissues are capable of inducing distinct immune responses and that this may be related to the distinct cytokines produced by the DCs from these tissues.     

Dendritic cell maturation overrules H-2D-mediated natural killer T (NKT) cell inhibition: critical role for B7 in CD1d-dependent NKT cell interferon gamma production

Given the broad expression of H-2 class Ib molecules on hematopoietic cells, antigen presentation pathways among CD1d expressing cells might tightly regulate CD1d-restricted natural killer T (NKT) cells. Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs) and not adherent splenocytes become capable of triggering NK1.1(+)/T cell receptor (TCR)(int) hepatic NKT cell activation when (a) immature BM-DCs lack H-2D(b)-/- molecules or (b) BM-DCs undergo a stress signal of activation. In such conditions, BM-DCs promote T helper type 1 predominant CD1d-restricted NKT cell stimulation. H-2 class Ia-mediated inhibition involves more the direct H-2D(b) presentation than the indirect Qa-1(b) pathway. Such inhibition can be overruled by B7/CD28 interactions and marginally by CD40/CD40L or interleukin 12. These data point to a unique regulatory role of DCs in NKT cell innate immune responses and suggest that H-2 class Ia and Ib pathways differentially control NKT cell recognition of DC antigens.     

Interleukin (IL)-4 inhibits IL-10 to promote IL-12 production by dendritic cells

Interleukin (IL)-4 is known to be the most potent cytokine that can initiate Th2 cell differentiation. Paradoxically, IL-4 instructs dendritic cells (DCs) to promote Th1 cell differentiation. We investigated the mechanisms by which IL-4 directs CD4 T cells toward the Th1 cell lineage. Our study demonstrates that the IL-4-mediated induction of Th1 cell differentiation requires IL-10 production by DCs. IL-4 treatment of DCs in the presence of lipopolysaccharide or CpG resulted in decreased production of IL-10, which was accompanied by enhanced IL-12 production. In IL-10-deficient DCs, the level of IL-12 was greatly elevated and, more importantly, the ability of IL-4 to up-regulate IL-12 was abrogated. Interestingly, IL-4 inhibited IL-10 production by DCs but not by B cells. The down-regulation of IL-10 gene expression by IL-4 depended on Stat6 and was at least partly caused by decreased histone acetylation of the IL-10 promoter. These data indicate that IL-4 plays a key role in inducing Th1 cell differentiation by instructing DCs to produce less IL-10.