Experimental silicosis: a shift to a preferential IFN-gamma-based Th1 response in thoracic lymph nodes

In chronic silicosis, mechanisms leading to lymphocyte activation are still poorly understood, although it is well known that not only the lung but also the draining lymph nodes are affected. In the present study, we investigated T-cell activation by analysis of cytokine expression in the enlarged thoracic lymph nodes of rats 2 mo after an 8-day silica aerosol exposure. In the case of helper T cell (Th) type 1 cytokines, we found a significant increase in interferon (IFN)-gamma mRNA expression, whereas interleukin (IL)-2 expression remained unchanged. In contrast, gene transcription for the Th2-type cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 was diminished. In addition, with use of an in vitro lymphocyte-macrophage coculture system, an enhanced IFN-gamma and a reduced IL-10 release were shown with cells from silicotic animals. With regard to IFN-gamma-inducing cytokines, we observed enhanced IL-12 mRNA levels in vivo, whereas IL-18 gene expression was slightly decreased. These data indicate that a persistent shift toward an IFN-gamma-dominated type 1 (Th1/cytotoxic T cell type 1) T-cell reaction pattern occurred within the thoracic lymph nodes of silicotic animals. Thus a mutual activation of lymphocytes and macrophages may maintain the chronic inflammatory changes that characterize silicosis.