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High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
Published on: March 24, 2015
Human interferon lambda-1 (IFN-lambda1/IL-29) modulates the Th1/Th2 response
W J Jordan1, J Eskdale, S Srinivas
1Department of Oral Biology, New Jersey Dental School, Newark, NJ, USA.
Genes and Immunity
|March 16, 2007
Summary
Interferon lambda-1 (IFN-lambda1) modulates T helper cell activity, significantly reducing interleukin-13 (IL-13) secretion while minimally affecting interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). This suggests a role for IFN-lambda1 in regulating Th1/Th2 immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Interferon lambda-1 (IFN-lambda1/IL-29) is a Type-III interferon.
- Type-III interferons share a receptor and induce antiviral responses similar to Type-I interferons.
- Their ability to phosphorylate STAT3 and use IL10-R-beta suggested potential immunomodulatory roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory activity of IFN-lambda1.
- To determine if IFN-lambda1 influences the Th1/Th2 immune response system.
- To elucidate the specific effects of IFN-lambda1 on T helper cell function.
Main Methods:
- Assays included mitogen stimulation (Con-A), mixed-lymphocyte reactions (MLR), and co-culture of naive T cells with monocyte-derived dendritic cells (mDCs).
- Quantification of secreted cytokines, specifically interleukin-13 (IL-13) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), was performed.
- Experiments assessed the impact of IFN-lambda1 on T cell activation and cytokine production.
Main Results:
- IFN-lambda1 consistently reduced IL-13 secretion in all tested experimental systems.
- IFN-lambda1 showed a modest, occasional increase in IFN-gamma secretion, with IL-13 being significantly more sensitive.
- These modulatory effects on T helper cell responses were independent of IL-10.
Conclusions:
- IFN-lambda1 plays a significant role in modulating T helper cell differentiation and function.
- The primary observed effect is the potent suppression of IL-13 production, indicating a bias away from Th2 responses.
- These findings reveal a novel function for IFN-lambda1 in regulating the balance between Th1 and Th2 immunity.
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