IL-12 prevents neonatal induction of transplantation tolerance in mice

We investigated the effect of IL-12 on the induction of transplantation tolerance by neonatal injection of allogenic cells. We first observed that injection of newborn BALB/c mice with IL-12 and (A/J × BALB/c) F1 spleen cells prevented the Th2 alloimmune response induced by neonatal inoculation of F1 cells alone and allowed the differentiation of T cells secreting high amounts of IL-2 and IFN-γ in mixed lymphocyte cultures with donor-type stimulators. Furthermore, IL-12 administration resulted in the emergence of anti-donor cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses although at lower levels than in control uninjected mice. In parallel, we found that mice injected at birth with IL-12 and F1 cells did not develop chimerism and were able to reject a donor-type skin graft as efficiently as control mice. We conclude that IL-12 inhibits the Th2 polarization of the newborn response to alloantigens and prevents thereby the establishment of transplantation tolerance.     

Ovarian follicular concentration of IL-12, IL-15, IL-18 and p40 subunit of IL-12 and IL-23

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine the presence of interleukin (IL)-12, IL-15, IL-18 and p40 subunit of IL-12/IL-23 in follicular fluid from spontaneous cycles and the relation between the concentration of selected cytokines and IVF-embryo transfer outcome. METHODS: IVF-embryo transfer and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN, USA and MBL, Nagoya, Japan) were used. RESULTS: Follicular fluid of women included in the IVF-embryo transfer procedure contained common p40 subunit of IL-12/IL-23 (median 70.1 pg/ml), IL-15 (median 1.3 pg/ml) and IL-18 (median 38.2 pg/ml). There was a significant negative correlation between follicular fluid concentrations of IL-15 and IL-18 (R=-0.392, P=0.003). Significantly higher concentrations of common p40 subunit of IL-12/IL-23 (median 79.8 pg/ml) were found in the follicular fluid taken from follicles containing oocytes, when compared with those without an oocyte (median 44.5 pg/ml, P=0.006). Patients who achieved clinical pregnancy had significantly decreased concentration of IL-15 (median 0.8 pg/ml) compared with patients without successful IVF-embryo transfer outcome (median 1.4 pg/ml, P=0.047). CONCLUSION: Follicular fluid collected from spontaneous cycles contains detectable levels of p40 subunit of IL-12/IL-23, IL-15 and IL-18. Increased concentrations of p40 subunit of IL-12/IL-23 in follicles containing oocytes suggest an important role of this cytokine in reproduction. Possible negative value of IL-15 as a predictor of IVF-embryo transfer success remains to be determined.     

IL-12和IL-18在实验性自身免疫性神经炎中的协同作用机制

目的:研究IL-12和IL-18分别在实验性自身免疫性神经炎(EAN)中的调节机制以及IL-12与IL-18的协同作用.方法:建立P0180-199特异性T细胞系.分别用IL-12或IL-18或者IL-12和IL-18进行体外干预,将不同处理组的T细胞回输到正常的大鼠体内,建立过继免疫的EAN动物模型.应用国际分级标准和临床评分对发病鼠进行临床评定;通过免疫组化检测不同组EAN鼠坐骨神经淋巴细胞浸润;ELISA法检测相关细胞因子的变化.结果:①在IL-12和IL-18共同干预的条件下,特异性T细胞TNF-α和IFN-γ的产生均增加;②与IL-12或IL-18组相比,IL-12 IL-18组大鼠临床发病明显加重,发病时间提前;③在坐骨神经标本中,与对照组相比,IL-12 IL-18组CD4 淋巴细胞浸润数量较多,而IL-12和IL-18组CD4 淋巴细胞浸润较少.结论:经IL-12和IL-18体外干预的P0180-199特异性T淋巴细胞,通过过继免疫给正常大鼠后,诱导出严重的EAN动物模型,表现出协同增强作用.     

IL-12、IL-18基因对HIV-1外膜蛋白基因疫苗诱导的免疫应答的影响

目的 研究IL-12、IL-18基因对HIV-1外膜蛋白基因疫苗诱导免疫应答的影响，以探求HIV-1核酸疫苗的新策略。方法 pVAX1GP120联合IL-12、IL-18基因或者pVAX1GP120单独免疫BALB／c小鼠，采用ELISA检测免疫小鼠的特异性抗体和IFN-γ水平，以NIT比色法检测免疫小鼠脾淋巴细脯增殖，用乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）试验检测小鼠特异性细胞毒性T淋巴细胞（CIL）的应答。结果 与pVAX1GP120免疫组比较，pVAX1GP120联合IL-12、IL-18基因免疫组小鼠血清的抗HIV-1 gp120抗体滴度升高，IFN-γ升高，小鼠的脾淋巴细胞增殖实验刺激指数（SI）以及特异性CTL活性均高，差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论 IL-12、IL-18基因联合HIV-1核酸疫苗免疫小鼠，有可能增强特异性TH1细胞和CTL反应，IL-12、IL-18基因对体液免疫可能有抑制作用。因此，IL-12、IL-18基因对于治疗性HIV-1核酸疫苗可能是具有较好应用前景的免疫佐剂。     

脂多糖和金黄色葡萄球菌对IL-23、IL-12表达的调控

目的：检测脂多糖（LPS）和金黄色葡萄球菌（SAC）对人外周血单个核细胞（PBMC）IL-23和IL-12各亚基表达的调节作用并探索其作用机制。方法：用LPS和SAC直接刺激人PBMC，或用CD14抗体或p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶（MAPK）抑制剂Mastoparan预处理PBMC后再予LPS和SAC刺激，半定量RT-PCR方法检测IL-23p19、IL-12p35和IL-12p40亚基的基因表达变化。结果：人PBMC组成性表达p19和p35，不表达p40。LPS和SAC可上调各亚基的表达。LPS诱导的IL-23和IL-12各亚基表达均需通过CDl4；CDl4仅部分参与SAC诱导的IL-12p40和p35表达上调，而与p19上调无关。LPS和SAC诱导的IL-23和IL-12各亚基表达均需要p38MAPK通路。结论：LPS和SAC刺激下IL-23和IL-12亚基表达及信号传导通路既有相似之处又有不同点，为单独或同时调控这两种因子的表达提供线索。     

新生儿脐血单核细胞在脂多糖刺激下分泌IL-6及出现IL-6mRNA表达的实验研究

目的 :通过观察LPS对新生儿脐血单个核细胞 (MC)分泌IL 6及表达IL 6mRNA基因的影响 ,探讨严重细菌感染时新生儿机体防御反应机制。方法 :取肝素抗凝剂脐血 ,用密度离心分离法分离MNC ,以RPMI16 40培养液调整细胞浓度为1× 10 6 ml- 1 ,将细胞悬液铺于 2 4孔培养板上 ,依次加入不同浓度脂多糖 (LPS)培养 36h或同一浓度LPS(1μg ml)培养不同时间 ,收集培养上清液及细胞 ,分别用ELISA和RT PCR方法测定IL 6及IL 6mRNA表达情况。结果 :①脐血MNC在LPS刺激 3、6、12、18、2 4、36h后IL 6分泌水平逐步增高 ,6h以后增加尤为明显 ,与其他各时间点比较有非常显著的差异 (P <0 0 0 1)。LPS刺激组与无LPS对照组相同时间点比较 ,6h内IL 6变化水平无差异 ,6h以上各点有显著差异 (P <0 0 1)。RT PCR方法检测显示LPS刺激后 3h即可见IL 6mRNA基因表达。②脐血MNC受不同浓度LPS刺激时 ,IL 6分泌水平随LPS浓度递增。③全部脐血MNC均检测到IL 6mRNA基因表达。结论 :LPS能诱导新生儿脐血MNCIL 6mRNA基因转录 ,从而促使IL 6合成、分泌 ,该作用呈时间、剂量依赖性变化。     

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。     

白介素-12及白介素-23对胃癌组织中CD4^＋记忆T细胞的影响

目的:探讨胃癌组织中IL-12、IL-23对CD4+记忆T细胞(CD4+Tm)的影响.方法:ELISA检测TNM不同期胃癌组织匀浆中IL-12、IL-23含量;不连续密度梯度离心法分离胃癌组织中的肿瘤浸润淋巴细胞(TIL),流式细胞仪检测TIL中CD4+ Tm及其亚群TEM和TCM在不同期胃癌组织中的分布状况.结果:TNM-Ⅰ、Ⅱ期胃癌组织中IL-12含量差别不明显,但均显著高于TNM-Ⅲ、TNM-Ⅳ期;TNM-Ⅰ期胃癌组织中IL-23的含量高于TNM-Ⅱ、TNM-Ⅲ、TNM-Ⅳ期.胃癌TIL中CD4+ Tm及TEM比例随TNM分期增加逐渐降低,而TCM比例逐渐升高.结论:胃癌组织中IL-12、IL-23含量的变化与胃癌TNM分期有关,且影响胃癌TIL中CD4+记忆T细胞及其亚群TCM和TEM的分布.     

The power of combinatorial immunology: IL-12 and IL-12-related dimeric cytokines in infectious diseases

Appropriate induction of a Th1 immune response is required for effective antimicrobial immunity. However, dysregulated Th1 immune responses after infection may also lead to immunopathology. Thus, cell-mediated immune responses have to be tightly regulated. Upon infection, the production of interleukin (IL)-12, a heterodimeric cytokine composed of a p35 and a p40 subunit, is the dominant factor in Th1 cell development. The recent discovery of novel dimeric cytokines closely related to IL-12 add now to our understanding of cellular immunity and the fine tuning of T cell responses. At the onset of infection, IL-27, a heterodimer composed of the IL-12p40-related protein EBI-3 (Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3) and the IL-12p35-related protein p28 induces the expression of a functional IL-12 receptor in naive CD4⁺ T cells, making these cells sensitive to IL-12-mediated Th cell development. Later during infection, IL-23, a heterodimer composed of the IL-12p40 subunit and the IL-12p35-related molecule p19, preferentially acts on Th1 effector/memory CD4⁺ T cells. The IL-12p40 subunit can also form a homodimer, IL-12p80, which act as an IL-12 and IL-23 antagonist by competing at their receptors. This review focuses on these IL-12-related cytokines contributing to fine tuning of T cell responses after infection with intracellular pathogens.     

131I治疗Graves'病和HT甲亢患者治疗前后血清IL-12、IL-18的变化

目的：本文通过测定放射性碘治疗Graves’病和HT甲亢患者前后血清IL—12、IL-18的变化以期探讨^131I治疗对其自身免疫状态的影响。方法：用酶联免疫分析方法测定48例Graves’病和桥本甲亢患者^131I治疗前后血清IL—12、IL-18水平，35例健康志愿者作为对照。结果：①IL-12、IL-18在^131I治疗Graves’病和HT甲亢患者后均有显著性降低（P〈0．05）。②在治疗后各组比较中IL-12除在治愈组与缓解组无显著性差异外（P〉0．05）其余各组均有显著性差异（P〈0．05）。③IL-18在治愈组与缓解组和甲低组之间无显著性差异（P〉0．05），其余各组均有显著性差异（P〈0．05）。④TGA、TMA各组与对照组比较均有显著性差异，其余各组间无显著性差异。⑤IL-12与IL-18、TGA、TMA呈显著性相关（P〈0．05）。结论：^131I治疗Graves’病和HT甲亢不仅可以安全有效地控制甲亢症状且可促进自身免疫紊乱的改善。     

The increasingly anti-tumor effect of a colonic carcinoma DNA vaccine carrying HER2 by the adjuvanticity of IL-12

The present study aimed to determine the effect of recombinant DNA vaccine-based human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) and Interleukin 12 (IL-12) on the development of colonic carcinoma in mice and the potential immune mechanisms involved. Recombinant plasmids pVAX1-HER2, pVAX1-IL-12 and pVAX1-HER2-IL-12 were constructed, and injected into female mice intramuscularly (i.m.) followed by an electric pulse. The humoral and cellular immune responses after immunization were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT), respectively. To evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy of the plasmids, a mouse model with a HER2-expressing tumor was designed. Mice vaccinated with the HER2-IL-12 plasmid generated the strongest inhibition efficacy on the growth of HER2-expressing tumors and prolonged mouse survival. These observations emphasized the potential of IL-12 as an adjuvant for DNA vaccines and of vaccines based on HER2 and IL-12 as a promising treatment for colonic carcinoma.     

重组质粒pcDNA3.1IL-2/Fc对HBV preS2S DNA疫苗免疫作用的影响

目的 探讨IL-2/Fc融合表达后对HBVpreS2S基因疫苗诱导免疫反应的佐剂效应.方法 采用HBV preS2S DNA疫苗作为基础免疫,重组质粒pcDNA3.1IL-2/Fc作为佐剂加强免疫BALB/c小鼠,采用0、2、4周的方案接种,检测各次接种后抗体水平.初次免疫后7周,测定免疫脾细胞的杀伤活性、增殖活性和细胞因子的分泌水平.结果 pcDNA3.1IL-2/Fc作为佐剂在HBV preS2S注射3 d后免疫组小鼠抗体滴度、免疫脾细胞的杀伤活性和增殖活性、TH1型细胞因子的分泌水平,均比各对照组明显增强.结论 IL-2/Fc是有效的HBV preS2S DNA疫苗佐剂之一.     

IL-1 beta induces dendritic cells to produce IL-12

The cytokine IL-12, a product of dendritic cells (DC), plays a major role in cellular immunity, notably by inducing lymphocytes to produce IFN-gamma. Microbial products, T cell signals and cytokines induce the production of IL-12. Here, IL-1 beta is identified as a new IL-12-inducing agent, acting conjointly with CD40 ligand (CD40L) on human monocyte-derived DC in vitro. The effects of IL-1 beta were dose dependent, specifically blocked by neutralizing antibodies, and were observed both in immature and mature DC. Immature DC secreted more IL-12 than mature DC, but the effects of IL-1 beta were not due to a block of DC maturation as determined by analysis of DC surface markers. The mechanisms of action of IL-1 beta could be contrasted to that of other inducers of IL-12 such as IFN-gamma and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Either IL-1 beta or IFN-gamma co-induced IL-12 with CD40L but conjointly, IL-1 beta, CD40L and IFN-gamma synergized, inducing very high levels of IL-12. The effects of IL-1 beta differed from those of LPS in that IL-1 beta, unlike LPS, could not induce IL-12 solely after IFN-gamma priming; and when combined with CD40L, IL-1 beta, unlike LPS, induced little IL-10. The mechanism of action of IL-1 beta involves IL-12 alpha mRNA up-regulation, and we show that the combination of CD40L and IL-1 beta induces high levels of IL-12 alpha and IL-12 beta mRNA in DC. Altogether, these results delineate a new mechanism linking adaptive and innate immune responses for the regulation of IL-12 production in DC and for the role of IL-1 beta in the development of cellular immunity.     

The vaccine adjuvant alum inhibits IL‐12 by promoting PI3 kinase signaling while chitosan does not inhibit IL‐12 and enhances Th1 and Th17 responses

Alum is the principal vaccine adjuvant for clinical applications but it is a poor inducer of cellular immunity and is not an optimal adjuvant for vaccines where Th1 responses are required for protection. The mechanism underlying the inefficiency of alum in promoting Th1 responses is not fully understood. We show that aluminium hydroxide, aluminium phosphate, and calcium phosphate adjuvants inhibit the secretion of the Th1 polarizing cytokine, IL‐12 by dendritic cells (DCs). Alum selectively inhibited DC expression of the IL‐12p35 subunit and the inhibitory effect results from adjuvant‐induced PI3 kinase signaling. To develop a more effective adjuvant for promoting cell‐mediated immunity, we investigated alternative particulates and found that in contrast to alum, the cationic polysaccharide chitosan did not inhibit IL‐12 secretion. A combination of chitosan and the TLR9 agonist CpG activated the NLRP3 inflammasome and enhanced secretion of IL‐12 and the other key Th1 and Th17‐cell polarizing cytokines. When used as an adjuvant, CpG‐chitosan induced NLRP3‐dependent antigen‐specific Th1 and Th17 responses. A combination of alum and CpG also enhanced Th1 and Th17 responses but was less effective than CpG‐chitosan. Therefore, chitosan is an attractive alternative to alum in adjuvants for vaccines where potent cell‐mediated immunity is required.     

共表达不同水平的IL-12对于HBV DNA疫苗质粒免疫原性的影响

目的 在HBsAg DNA疫苗质粒中共表达IL-12佐剂分子,研究IL-12的表达水平对于HBV DNA疫苗质粒免疫原性的影响.方法 构建携带来源于中国地区C型HBV参照序列CHN-HBV07-C经密码子优化的preS2-S基因的DNA疫苗质粒pHBV,并将3个不同IL-12表达水平的佐剂分子表达盒序列分别克隆入该疫苗质粒中,通过瞬时转染293T细胞以检测重组质粒IL-12分子及乙肝表面抗原的表达情况.将不同IL-12表达水平的疫苗质粒免疫BALB/c雌性小鼠,IFN-γ的ELISPOT方法检测HBsAg抗原特异性的细胞免疫应答,化学发光定量ELISA法检测HBsAg特异的抗体水平.结果 成功构建3个不同IL-12表达水平的HBV DNA疫苗质粒,293T细胞转染结果显示:不携带IL-12分子表达盒的对照疫苗质粒pHBV的HBsAg表达水平可达70 ng/ml;低表达IL-12的疫苗质粒pHBV-12l的HBsAg表达水平为18 ng/ml;而高表达IL-12的重组疫苗质粒pHBV-12h的HBsAg表达水平仅为6 ng/ml.BALB/c小鼠的免疫结果表明:高表达IL-12分子的疫苗质粒pHBV-12h所诱导的细胞免疫及体液免疫水平相对于对照疫苗质粒pHBV均显著降低了.低表达IL-12分子的疫苗质粒pHBV-12l所诱导的抗体水平也显著降低了,但其细胞免疫应答水平却显著提高了.结论 在同一疫苗质粒中,高表达IL-12分子的质粒可能会影响到抗原蛋白的表达,而低表达IL-12分子的疫苗质粒却能增强细胞免疫应答.因此,平衡好佐剂分子及抗原蛋白的表达水平对于诱导高水平的免疫应答是个重要的因素.     

自身免疫甲状腺病患者血清中IL-12和IL-18水平的分析

目的:提供自身免疫甲状腺病(AITD)患者体内Th1/Th2平衡紊乱的依据。方法:应用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定27例Graves病(GD)、24例甲状腺功能正常的桥本甲状腺炎(HT)、25例甲状腺功能低下的HT患者及20例正常对照者血清中IL12和IL18的浓度,并检测GD患者的甲状腺刺激性抗体。结果:GD患者与甲状腺功能正常的HT患者血中IL12、IL18水平无明显差异,但均高于正常对照者的相应水平。甲状腺功能低下的HT患者血中IL12和IL18的水平与正常对照者无差异。在GD和甲功正常的HT,IL18与IL12呈明显正相关。在GD,IL12和IL18均与其甲状腺刺激性抗体(TSAb)活性呈正相关。在甲状腺功能正常的HT还存在IL12和IL18二者与甲状腺球蛋白抗体(TgAb)的显著性正相关。结论:提示Th1型细胞在GD和HT两种AITD的发病中均起重要作用。通过抑制Th2型免疫反应,促进向Th1型的转变来治疗GD时,有可能导致病情恶化。     

Fucoidan选择性抑制LPS诱导巨噬细胞分泌IL-12

目的探讨配体fucoidan活化清道夫受体后能否抑制LPS刺激巨噬细胞分泌IL-12。方法不同剂量的fucoidan（以多价阴离子chondroitin为阴性对照）与RAW264．7作用10min后,加人等量的LPS刺激,检测上清中IL-12p70、IL-6和TNF-α;同时观察不同剂量fucoidan对RAW264．7贴壁的影响。结果不同剂量的fucoidan能不同程度促进LPS诱导RAW264．7分泌炎症因子IL-6和TNF-α,但却能明显地抑制IL-12的分泌;随着所加fucoidan量的增加,RAW264．7细胞的贴壁能力逐渐下降。结论Fucoidan可能通过与清道夫受体SR-A（scavenger receptor A）结合发挥其特异抑制LPS诱导巨噬细胞分泌IL-12的作用。     

IL-12和IL-18基因免疫对HBcAg核酸疫苗诱导小鼠(H-2d)特异性免疫应答的影响

目的：观察IL-12和IL-18基因免疫对HBcAg核酸疫苗诱导小鼠（H-2d）特异性体液免疫和细胞免疫应答的影响.方法：用肌肉注射法将HBV核心区DNA疫苗、IL-12质粒和IL-18 质粒接种BALB/c小鼠;ELISA法检测小鼠血清抗-HBc（IgG）及IgG亚类（IgG1、IgG2a）;LDH释放法检测小鼠脾细胞HBcAg特异性CTL活性.结果：免疫6周后,HBcAg DNA疫苗联合IL-12质粒、IL-18质粒和IL-12＋IL-18质粒组小鼠的血清抗HBc终点滴度均明显高于单纯注射HBcAg DNA疫苗组小鼠（P＜0.05）,抗HBc IgG亚类以IgG2a占优.DNA疫苗免疫的各组小鼠,HBcAg特异性细胞毒性T淋巴细胞杀伤率均高于对照组（P组）,其中C＋IL-18组和C＋IL-12＋IL-18组中CTL值明显高于C组,尤以C＋IL-12＋IL-18组中的CTL杀伤率最高.结论：IL-12和IL-18基因与HBcAg DNA疫苗联合免疫,不仅能增强HBcAg特异性体液免疫应答,而且能增强HBcAg特异性CTL的杀伤活性.