IL-6 and TNF-alpha synergistically inhibit allograft acceptance

Previous studies suggested that activation of the innate immune system impairs the induction of transplantation tolerance, but the responsible inflammatory mediators have not been identified. In this study, we examined whether IL-6 and TNF-alpha promote resistance to transplantation tolerance. Using a highly immunogenic murine skin allograft model, we found that the absence of both IL-6 and TNF-alpha in the graft recipient synergized with co-stimulatory blockade to induce tolerance. Furthermore, IL-6 and TNF-alpha acted together to promote T cell alloimmune responses both in vitro and in vivo and to impair the ability of regulatory T cells to suppress effector T cell alloimmunity. In addition, deficiency of recipient IRAK-M, a negative regulator of certain innate immune pathways, augmented cellular IL-6 and TNF-alpha responses and impaired the ability of co-stimulatory blockade to extend allograft survival. In summary, IL-6 and TNF-alpha synergistically impair the efficacy of therapies that promote allograft acceptance.