Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

Using an Automated Cell Counter to Simplify Gene Expression Studies: siRNA Knockdown of IL-4 Dependent Gene Expression in Namalwa Cells
Published on: April 14, 2010
The environmental pollutant pyrene induces the production of IL-4
H Bömmel1, M Li-Weber, E Serfling
1Physiological Chemistry II, Biocenter, Department of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
Background:
Epidemiologic studies and experiments with mouse models suggest that polyaromatic hydrocarbons contained in, among others, diesel exhaust particles can promote the development of allergy.
Objective:
Because IL-4 organizes allergic responses in vivo, we have investigated whether pyrene, a major compound of diesel exhaust particles, can affect the production of IL-4.
Methods:
IL-4 production by primary human T cells was assessed by ELISA and messenger RNA transcription was detected by Northern blotting. Activation of the IL-4 promoter was tested in reporter gene assays with transiently transfected cell lines.
Results:
Pyrene induced transcription of IL-4 messenger RNA and expression of IL-4 protein in primary human T cells. Pyrene, but not related polyaromatic hydrocarbons, enhanced basal transcription of the human and mouse IL-4 promoter.
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that pyrene may promote allergic diseases by inducing the production of IL-4.
More Related Videos
10:39Advanced Imaging of Lung Homing Human Lymphocytes in an Experimental In Vivo Model of Allergic Inflammation Based on Light-sheet Microscopy
Published on: April 16, 2019
06:29Adoptive Transfer of IL-33-Stimulated Macrophages into Bleomycin-Induced Mouse Models to Study Their Effect on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis In Vivo
Published on: May 5, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Gastritis II: Pathophysiology