| Abstract: | Introduction: Cytokines are not only produced by activated lymphocytes but also interact with a number of cell‐surface molecules on the same cells. Syndecan‐1 is one such cell‐surface molecule, which has the capacity to bind a variety of growth factors as well as cytokines. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β), interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), IL‐2, IL‐4, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis and tetanus toxoid on syndecan‐1 expression by B and T lymphocytes. Methods: B and T lymphocytes were obtained from the peripheral blood of healthy donors. Following exposure to the above growth factors, cytokines and antigens, syndecan‐1 expression was determined by flow cytometry. Results: Subjects could be categorized as high or low expressors of syndecan‐1. In the high‐responder group TGF‐β1 alone resulted in a significant increase in syndecan‐1 expression by both B and T cells. None of the other cytokines and antigens produced a significant response. When analysed in combination, TGF‐β1 in combination with IL‐2, IL‐4, P. gingivalis LPS and tetanus toxoid all produced significant increases in syndecan‐1 expression by B cells. For T cells, combinations of TGF‐β1 with IL‐2 and tetanus toxoid resulted in increased syndecan‐1 expression. Conclusions: Both B and T lymphocytes synthesize the cell‐surface proteoglycan syndecan‐1 and its expression can be modulated by TGF‐β1, either alone or in combination with IL‐2, IL‐4 and LPS from P. gingivalis and tetanus toxoid. While these may reflect general responses under inflammatory conditions their biological significance requires further investigation. |
