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Alkaline phosphatase expression during monocyte differentiation. Overlapping markers as a link between monocytic cells, dendritic cells, osteoclasts and osteoblasts.

Human monocytes (Mo) in culture can be differentiated into macrophages (M phi), dendritic cells (DC) and osteoclasts. In addition, we have established a Mo-derived in vitro granuloma model which here was compared with ex-vivo isolated foreign body granuloma cells. In these models overlapping phenotypes developed between monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDC), osteoclasts, M phi, and osteoblasts. In Mo cultures granulomas were induced by immobilized particulate material. AP activity (osteoblast marker) was found to be co-expressed with cytoplasmic tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) as a marker of osteoclasts. While proliferating, the number of AP+ cells decreased, being replaced by cells co-expressing the osteoclast markers vitronectin receptor (VNR) and TRAP. Coexpression of the Mo/M phi marker CD68 with AP or VNR confirmed the monocytic origin of the cells. When Mo were treated with interleukin-4 (IL-4), the number of AP+ cells markedly increased and remained stably expressed over 12 days. In explants from ex vivo granulomas obtained from endoprosthetic revisions the major cell type was the AP+ cell co-expressing CD68. The bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) as a marker of osteoblasts was detected by FACS analysis in the ex vivo granuloma cells. By RT-PCR the mRNA for osteocalcin, which is a highly specific marker for osteoblasts, was detected. From our results we conclude an ontogenetic relationship between macrophages, DC and osteoclasts. Furthermore, the data suggest a transdifferentiation between Mo and osteoblasts.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

The interaction of human monocytes, monocyte-derived macrophages, and polymorphonuclear neutrophils with caspofungin (MK-0991), an echinocandin, for antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus.

The collaboration between human effector cells and caspofungin (MK-0991), a 1,3-beta-D glucan synthase inhibitor, was studied for antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus. Caspofungin was co-cultured for 24h with either human monocytes (Monos), monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM), or polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) against germlings of A. fumigatus and antifungal activity assessed using the XTT metabolic assay. Caspofungin at 0.1 micorg/ml and 0.05 microg/ml or Monos alone against germlings caused significant inhibition. Microscopically this was correlated with less growth and stunted malformed hyphae. The addition of caspofungin at 0.1 microg/ml and 0.05 microg/ml to the monocyte cultures increased antifungal activity. The inhibition of the combination was significantly greater than drug alone (P <.01) and Monos alone (P <.01). MDM against Aspergillus germlings inhibited hyphal growth. The combination of caspofungin at 0.1 microg/ml and 0.05 microg/ml to the macrophage cultures increased antifungal activity. The growth inhibition by the combination was significantly greater than drug alone (P <.01) and MDM alone (P <.01). There was no significant interference with or enhancement of PMNs and caspofungin. These data support the activity of caspofungin against A. fumigatus in vitro, and indicates a cooperative activity with human effector cells. This suggests caspofungin in vivo would have increased efficacy as it combines with host defenses against A. fumigatus.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Effect of interleukin-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 on adhesion of circulating granulocytes and monocytes from asthma patients to human venous endothelial cells.

The adhesive interactions between phagocytes and endothelial cells (EC) can be modulated by inflammatory cytokines and chemotactic proteins which are released during an inflammatory response. The aim of the present study was to investigate first whether the adhesive properties of granulocytes and monocytes from asthma patients for vascular endothelial cells differ from those of phagocytes from healthy individuals. Furthermore, we studied whether the chemokines interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) can affect the binding of phagocytes to EC. No differences were observed in binding of phagocytes from asymptomatic or symptomatic asthma patients and from healthy individuals to non-stimulated or cytokine-stimulated EC. Incubation of granulocytes with IL-8 did not influence their adhesion to non-stimulated EC but inhibited the adhesion of granulocytes to IL-1-stimulated EC. Incubation of monocytes with MCP-1 did not affect their adhesion to non-stimulated or cytokine-stimulated EC. Our results indicate that adhesion of phagocytes to EC depends on the activation state of the endothelial cells but not on the origin of the phagocytes, since there were no differences in the adhesion of phagocytes from asthma patients and healthy individuals to non-stimulated or cytokine-stimulated EC.

Adolescent↗

Monocyte recruitment in cryoglobulinemic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis: a pathogenetic role for monocyte chemotactic peptide-1.

Monocyte chemotactic peptide-1 (MCP-1) belongs to a large family of cytokines known as chemokines. It is a potent mediator of inflammatory response and is thought to play a major role in recruiting monocytes into the site of inflammation. Mixed cryoglobulinemia is a systemic vasculitis characterized in 10 to 30% of the cases by renal involvement. Monocyte infiltration into the glomerulus, and in the periglomerular and perivascular areas is a common histopathological feature of this form of glomerulonephritis. We sought to determine, by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, the renal gene and protein expression of MCP-1 in cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis compared to normal kidney, and to correlate it with macrophage infiltration. Kidney biopsy specimens were obtained from 9 patients with cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis and 9 control kidneys. The distribution and intensity of MCP-1 gene and protein expression, and the macrophage infiltration (CD68 positive cells) were evaluated and quantitated by a computerized image analysis system. In normal kidneys, MCP-1 was weakly expressed, both at the gene as well as at the protein level. In diseased kidneys, a statistically significant (P < 0.001) up-regulation of MCP-1 gene and protein expression was found, particularly within the areas of tubulointerstitial damage and the glomeruli. By means of CD68 positive cells, a significant correlation (P < 0.001) was found between glomerular, tubulointerstitial macrophage infiltration and MCP-1 expression. Moreover, by combining immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, we observed the presence of CD68 positive cells mainly, if not exclusively, around the cells expressing MCP-1 mRNA. Interestingly, a striking increase in MCP-1 urinary concentration was found in cryoglobulinemic patients. In conclusion, our data suggest that MCP-1 may play a major role in modulating the inflammatory process observed in cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis.

Adult↗

Monocyte B7 and Sialyl Lewis X modulates the efficacy of IL-10 down-regulation of LPS-induced monocyte tissue factor in whole blood.

Recent studies have investigated the use of anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin 10 (IL-10) to control the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in sepsis by down-regulation of monocyte tissue factor (MTF) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the initial phase of the disease. In vitro and in vivo human studies have shown that a minimal (<1 h) delay in IL-10 treatment significantly reduces the cytokines ability to inhibit LPS-induced MTF expression and the end products of coagulation. In this whole blood in vitro study we investigated the role of lymphocyte and platelet interactions with monocytes to up-regulate MTF expression in the presence of IL-10 in the initial phase of exposure to LPS. Individual blockade of monocyte B7 or platelet P-selectin significantly (35%) reduced MTF expression (P<0.05). IL-10 showed a dose-dependent inhibition of LPS (0.1 microg/ml) induced MTF expression, with 56% inhibition at 1 ng/ml, maximizing at 5 ng/ml IL-10 (75%; P<0.05). Simultaneous exposure to LPS and IL-10 (1 ng/ml) or addition of IL-10 1 h after LPS, with individual B7 and P-selectin blockade significantly enhanced the inhibition of MTF expression by IL-10 (P<0.05). We conclude that the efficacy of IL-10 to control DIC could be enhanced by a simultaneous B7 and P-selectin blockade.

Antigens, CD↗

Elevated monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels following thermal injury precede monocyte recruitment to the wound site and are controlled, in part, by tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

In previous studies, mice given a full-thickness scald injury had an influx of neutrophils into the skin that followed a local increase in a neutrophil chemoattractant. Because macrophages are known to infiltrate the wound area after neutrophils and are essential for normal wound repair, studies were designed to characterize the time course of macrophage accumulation in the wound and to identify the factor(s) responsible for this influx. A macrophage infiltrate into the wound was observed at 4 days post-injury and persisted through at least 10 days. This influx was preceded by an initial fourfold increase in dermal monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels at 24 hours post-injury (p < 0.05). This elevation in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was enhanced at 4 and 10 days postburn resulting in a sixfold increase over baseline (p < 0.01). Levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a proinflammatory cytokine known to induce chemokine production, were elevated at 90 minutes after injury in burn- versus sham-injured groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, administration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha neutralizing antibody in vivo reduced the dermal levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 seen at 10 days postburn by 57% (p < 0.01); however, macrophage accumulation was not altered. Thus, elevated systemic TNF-alpha levels may influence the local chemokine milieu following burn injury.

Animals↗

Effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor on polymorphonuclear neutrophils, monocytes or monocyte-derived macrophages combined with voriconazole against Cryptococcus neoformans.

The antifungal activity of voriconazole (VCZ) was tested against Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) with and without the addition of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), monocytes or monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) in vitro. Human effector cells with and without the addition of VCZ were incubated with Cn for 24 h. PMN, mono and MDM alone resulted in 61%, 34% and 23% inhibition of Cn, respectively (n = 3, P<0.01). VCZ at 0.01 and 0.05 microg ml(-1) alone resulted in 48% inhibition and 19% killing (n = 6). The addition of VCZ at 0.01 and 0.05 microg ml(-1) to human effector cells enhanced killing of Cn by 51% and 71% for the PMN, 41% and 58% for the mono, and 14% and 34% for the MDM, respectively. The addition of either granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) or granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) significantly enhanced the ability of human effector cells to kill Cn. G-CSF and GM-CSF plus PMN resulted in 47% and 46% killing, respectively; GM-CSF plus monocytes or MDM resulted in 31% or 22% killing, respectively. G-CSF and GM-CSF further enhanced the collaborative killing effect of human effector cells and VCZ. At 0.01 and 0.05 microg ml(-1) of VCZ, G-CSF or GM-CSF enhanced PMN killing to 92% and 93% or 87% and 94%, respectively. GM-CSF enhanced both mono and MDM with VCZ at 0.01 and 0.05 microg ml(-1) in killing Cn to 62% and 86%, and 61% and 84%, respectively. These results suggest that VCZ would have good efficacy in the treatment of Cn infection in humans. Furthermore, VCZ would have enhanced efficacy in clinical settings where either G-CSF or GM-CSF was being used.

Antifungal Agents↗

Studies on tubercle bacillus-monocyte relationship. I. Quantitative analysis of effect of serum of animals vaccinated with BCG upon bacterium-monocyte system.

Studies of the conditions necessary for maintenance of constant cell populations in vitro in the Mackaness type of culture chamber have indicated the importance of preliminary trypsinization of cells and the beneficial effect of 40 per cent rabbit serum in Tyrode's solution. Under these optimal conditions, uninfected suspensions of monocytes exhibited little change in cell numbers over a period of 40 to 72 hours. Infection of monocytes with the virulent H37Rv strain of tubercle bacillus resulted in an early degeneration of a certain proportion of the cells cultivated in the presence of normal rabbit serum. This degeneration was apparent not only for cells of tuberculin-negative animals but also for those derived from tuberculin-positive animals. The serum of animals vaccinated with BCG exerted a favorable effect upon the survival of monocytes infected with virulent tubercle bacilli. Treatment with this serum caused a delay in degeneration of infected normal cells (cells of tuberculin-negative rabbits) and a complete inhibition of degeneration of infected immune cells (cells of rabbits vaccinated with BCG).

Bacillus↗

Synergy of fluconazole with human monocytes or monocyte-derived macrophages for killing of Candida species.

Possible synergy between fluconazole and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) for significant killing of Candida species and between fluconazole and monocytes for increased candidacidal activity were studied. Human serum in test medium (RPMI 1640 with 10% fresh autologous human serum) was highly fungistatic for Candida species. Fluconazole in test medium, even at high concentrations, was not fungicidal. Monocytes alone were fungicidal for all Candida species and synergized with fluconazole for increased killing of a fluconazole-sensitive and a fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans isolate. MDM obtained by culturing for 3 or 5 days were not significantly fungicidal for C. albicans but could synergize with fungistatic fluconazole for significant killing. MDM alone killed Candida krusei and Candida glabrata but did not synergize with fluconazole for significantly increased killing. These results, which demonstrate synergy of fluconazole and mononuclear phagocytes for killing, help explain the in vivo efficacy of fluconazole against candidiasis.

Antifungal Agents↗

Reduced thromboplastin activity in blood monocytes and reduced sensitivity to stimuli in vitro of blood monocytes from pregnant women.

The thromboplastin activity in blood monocytes from 18 normal third trimester pregnant women has been compared with a group of 20 healthy non-pregnant women. The thromboplastin activity in unstimulated monocytes from the normal pregnant group was on average 40% of the activity in the non-pregnant group (P less than 0.01). In endotoxin stimulated monocytes, the thromboplastin activity was also significantly lower in the pregnant group as compared to the non-pregnant group (P less than 0.001). Fibrinogen and factors V, VII and VIII were significantly higher in the pregnant than in the non-pregnant group, whereas no difference was observed in AT-III, prekallikrein and alpha 2-antiplasmin levels.

Adolescent↗

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) inhibits the intestinal-like differentiation of monocytes.

Monocytes (MO) migrating into normal, non-inflamed intestinal mucosa undergo a specific differentiation resulting in a non-reactive, tolerogenic intestinal macrophage (IMAC). Recently we demonstrated the differentiation of MO into an intestinal-like macrophage (MAC) phenotype in vitro in a three-dimensional cell culture model (multi-cellular spheroid or MCS model). In the mucosa of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in addition to normal IMAC, a reactive MAC population as well as increased levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) is found. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of MCP-1 on the differentiation of MO into IMAC. MCS were generated from adenovirally transfected HT-29 cells overexpressing MCP-1, macrophage inflammatory protein 3 alpha (MIP-3alpha) or non-transfected controls and co-cultured with freshly elutriated blood MO. After 7 days of co-culture MCS were harvested, and expression of the surface antigens CD33 and CD14 as well as the intracellular MAC marker CD68 was determined by flow-cytometry or immunohistochemistry. MCP-1 and MIP-3alpha expression by HT-29 cells in the MCS was increased by transfection at the time of MCS formation. In contrast to MIP-3alpha, MCP-1 overexpression induced a massive migration of MO into the three-dimensional aggregates. Differentiation of IMAC was disturbed in MCP-1-transfected MCS compared to experiments with non-transfected control aggregates, or the MIP-3alpha-transfected MCS, as indicated by high CD14 expression of MO/IMAC cultured inside the MCP-1-transfected MCS, as shown by immunohistochemistry and FACS analysis. Neutralization of MCP-1 was followed by an almost complete absence of monocyte migration into the MCS. MCP-1 induced migration of MO into three-dimensional spheroids generated from HT-29 cells and inhibited intestinal-like differentiation of blood MO into IMAC. It may be speculated that MCP-1 could play a role in the disturbed IMAC differentiation in IBD mucosa.

Antigens, CD↗

In vitro effects of ethanol on the phagocytic and microbial killing activities of normal human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages.

Human blood monocytes were cultured within the wells of chamber slides in growth medium to which 0, 1, 2, or 3 mg ethanol per ml was added at the start of the culture. After incubation for 1 h, 1 day and 7 days, their ability to phagocytoze IgG-sensitized red cells and to phagocytoze and kill non-opsonized Candida albicans was assessed. In all alcohol-containing wells, the concentration of alcohol in the growth medium fell progressively, reaching negligible values after 3 days. When compared with control cells, monocytes incubated with 1, 2 or 3 mg ethanol/mg for 1 h showed impaired phagocytosis of IgG-sensitized RBC and non-opsonized C. albicans and those incubated with 1 or 2 mg ethanol/ml for 1 h showed impaired killing of Candida. After incubation for 7 days, the monocyte-derived macrophages in wells initially containing 1, 2 or 3 mg ethanol/ml showed increased phagocytic activity towards C. albicans but not towards sensitized RBC. In addition, in 4 of 5 experiments, the percentage of phagocytozed organisms killed was increased in wells initially containing 1 mg ethanol/ml. The results support the view that the susceptibility of chronic alcoholics to certain infections may be partly dependent on an ethanol-induced depression of the phagocytic and killing functions of macrophages. They also suggest that a few days after a brief period of exposure to ethanol there may be stimulation of certain but not all effector functions of macrophages.

Candida albicans↗

Characterization of allergen-specific monocyte-derived dendritic cells generated from monocytes by a single-step procedure: effect on naïve and memory T cells.

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells are one of the most potent antigen-presenting cells and when pulsed with allergen can modulate allergen-specific T-cell responses. We sought to establish a single-step method by which to generate allergen-specific monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs). METHODS: Dermatophagoides farinae (Df)-prepulsed MoDCs were generated from monocytes by culturing with Df in the presence interleukin (IL)-4, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha simultaneously. Df-prepulsed MoDC were incubated with autologous naive and memory T cells in the absence of recall antigen, then proliferation and cytokine production by T cells was determined. RESULTS: Generation of allergen-prepulsed MoDCs was confirmed by examining expression of surface molecules. Df-prepulsed MoDC selectively induced proliferation of Df-specific T cells in the absence of recall antigen. Under these conditions, Df-prepulsed MoDCs augmented but did not alter the cytokine production profile. In addition, Df-prepulsed MoDCs activated naive T cells leading to proliferation and selective production of IFN-gamma in allergic patients but not in healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that Df-prepulsed MoDC generated from monocytes by a simple single-step manipulation can induce Df-specific cellular responses from both naive and memory T cells in the absence of recall antigen, and these cells potentially can be utilized as immune adjuvants in allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Adult↗

Release of monocyte chemoattractants by polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated by their adhesion to stratum corneum opsonized via complement activation, measured with a human acute monocytic leukemic cell line, THP-1.

Stratum corneum (SC) exposed to living tissues, induces inflammation characterized by the formation of mixed cell granulomas consisting of infiltrative polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and monocytes/macrophages. In this study, to clarify the mechanism for the later monocyte accumulation in SC-induced granulomas, we evaluated monocyte chemotactic activity induced by PMNs treated with serum-opsonized SC by using a human acute monocytic leukemic cell line, THP-1. When the supernatant was obtained from a PMN suspension cultured with opsonized plantar SC, higher THP-1 chemotactic activity was detected as compared with that cultured with non-opsonized SC. Although some concentrations of the chemokines, MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta, were detected in supernatants obtained from the PMN suspensions cultured with plantar SC than in the control suspensions of PMN alone, their production by PMN was not influenced by the opsonization procedure. In contrast, MCP-1 was found to be secreted from PMN suspensions constitutively, showing no correlation to this THP-1 chemotactic activity. Moreover, HPLC analysis of PMN suspensions indicated that factors with far higher molecular weight values than these chemokines are involved in the chemotaxis of THP-1 cells.

Cell Adhesion↗

Effect of in vitro infection of human monocytes with low numbers of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria on monocyte apoptosis.

The effect of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv on spontaneous apoptosis of human monocytes from healthy donors in vitro was investigated. Infection with low numbers of viable M. tuberculosis bacteria prevented spontaneously occurring apoptosis in monocytes. Our data suggest that apoptosis of monocytes appears to be negatively associated with the presence of tumor necrosis factor alpha.

Apoptosis↗

Definition of the stage of host cell genetic restriction of replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages by using twins.

Using identical (ID) twins, we have previously demonstrated that host cell genes exert a significant impact on productive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection of monocytes and macrophages (J. Chang et al., J. Virol. 70:7792-7803, 1996). Therefore, the stage in the replication cycle at which these host genetic influences act was investigated in a study using 8 pairs of ID twins and 10 pairs of sex- and age-matched unrelated donors (URDs). In the first phase of the study, blood monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) of ID twins and URDs were infected with 15 HIV type 1 strains. Four well-characterized primary isolates and HIV-BaL were then examined in more detail. The host cell genetic effect in MDM was exerted predominantly prior to complete reverse transcription, as the HIV DNA level and p24 antigen levels were concordant (r = 0.91, P = 0.0001) and similar between the pairs of ID twin pairs (r = 0.96, P = 0.0001) but discordant between URD pairs (r = 0.11, P = 0.3) in both phases of the study. To further examine genetic influence on viral entry, we examined the proportion of CCR5 membrane expression on MDM. As expected, there was wide variability in proportion of MDM expressing CCR5 among URDs (r = 0. 58, P = 0.2); however, this variability was significantly reduced between ID twin pairs (r = 0.81, P = 0.01). Differences in viral entry did not necessarily correlate with CCR5 expression, and only very low levels of CCR5 expression restricted HIV entry and production. In summary, the host cell genetic effect on HIV replication in macrophages appears to be exerted predominantly pre-reverse transcription. Although CCR5 was necessary for infection, other unidentified host genes are likely to limit productive infection.

Adult↗

Local monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 therapy increases collateral artery formation in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice but induces systemic monocytic CD11b expression, neointimal formation, and plaque progression.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) stimulates the formation of a collateral circulation on arterial occlusion. The present study served to determine whether these proarteriogenic properties of MCP-1 are preserved in hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice and whether it affects the systemic development of atherosclerosis. A total of 78 apoE-/- mice were treated with local infusion of low-dose MCP-1 (1 microg/kg per week), high-dose MCP-1 (10 microg/kg per week), or PBS as a control after unilateral ligation of the femoral artery. Collateral hindlimb flow, measured with fluorescent microspheres, significantly increased on a 1-week high-dose MCP-1 treatment (PBS 22.6+/-7.2%, MCP-1 31.3+/-10.3%; P<0.05). These effects were still present 2 months after the treatment (PBS 44.3+/-4.6%, MCP-1 56.5+/-10.4%; P<0.001). The increase in collateral flow was accompanied by an increase in the number of perivascular monocytes/macrophages on MCP-1 treatment. However, systemic CD11b expression by monocytes also increased, as did monocyte adhesion at the aortic endothelium and neointimal formation (intima/media ratio, 0.097+/-0.011 [PBS] versus 0.257+/-0.022 [MCP-1]; P<0.0001). Moreover, Sudan IV staining revealed an increase in aortic atherosclerotic plaque surface (24.3+/-5.2% [PBS] versus 38.2+/-9.5% [MCP-1]; P<0.01). Finally, a significant decrease in the percentage of smooth muscle cells was found in plaques (15.0+/-5.2% [PBS] versus 5.8+/-2.3% [MCP-1]; P<0.001). In conclusion, local infusion of MCP-1 significantly increases collateral flow on femoral artery ligation in apoE-/- mice up to 2 months after the treatment. However, the local treatment did not preclude systemic effects on atherogenesis, leading to increased atherosclerotic plaque formation and changes in cellular content of plaques.

Animals↗

Modulation of in vitro monocyte cytokine responses to Leishmania donovani. Interferon-gamma prevents parasite-induced inhibition of interleukin 1 production and primes monocytes to respond to Leishmania by producing both tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 1.

Cytokines produced by mononuclear cells are important regulatory and effector molecules and evidence has been presented to support a role at least for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in host defense against Leishmania. In the present study, we examined the production of TNF-alpha and interleukin 1 (IL-1) by resting and IFN-gamma-primed peripheral blood monocytes infected in vitro with Leishmania donovani. Monocytes produced neither IL-1 nor TNF-alpha during challenge with Leishmania. Cells preinfected with Leishmania synthesized normal amounts of TNF-alpha, but had diminished production of IL-1 in response to stimulation with either S. aureus or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The induction by S. aureus or LPS of IL-1 beta mRNA accumulation in infected cells was normal despite diminished intracellular or supernatant IL-1 protein and bioactivity. Thus, inhibition of IL-1 production by Leishmania most probably reflected diminished translation of IL-1 beta mRNA. Pretreatment of cells with IFN-gamma abrogated infection-induced inhibition of IL-1 production and primed cells for the production of both IL-1 and TNF-alpha upon subsequent exposure to Leishmania. These results indicate that L. donovani has evolved the capacity to infect mononuclear phagocytes, without stimulating the production of two potentially host-protective monokines. The ability of IFN-gamma to prime monocytes to produce TNF-alpha and IL-1 in response to infection with Leishmania and to prevent inhibition of IL-1 production may have implications for immunotherapy with this lymphokine.

Animals↗