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Interleukin-6 expression in response to innate immune regulatory factor stimulation
Todd A Parker1, Huiwen Cheng, Kenneth O Willeford
1Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA.
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|December 7, 2010
Summary
Innate immune regulatory factor (IIRF) boosts the immune response by stimulating pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and IL-10. This study suggests IIRF activates the innate immune system through IL-6 induction.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Innate immune regulatory factor (IIRF) is a serum-derived biological response modifier.
- IIRF demonstrates protective effects against pathogens like Salmonella typhimurium and Pasteurella multocida.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze cytokine production in response to IIRF challenge in mice, whole blood, and cultured cells.
- To investigate the mechanism of IIRF's immune-modulating effects.
Main Methods:
- Administration of IIRF to mice and analysis of serum cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-10) and acute phase proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid A).
- Whole blood immunoassay to assess dose- and time-dependent effects of IIRF on IL-6 production.
- In vitro study using cultured human monocytic THP-1 cells to evaluate IIRF-induced IL-6 production.
- Investigation of natural killer (NK) cell involvement using anti-asialo GM 1.1 antibody.
Main Results:
- IIRF administration stimulated temporal release of IL-6 and IL-10 in mice.
- Significant increases in acute phase proteins, haptoglobin (61-fold) and serum amyloid A (~3500-fold), were observed.
- IIRF-induced IL-6 production was dose- and time-dependent in whole blood and cultured THP-1 cells.
- Elimination of NK cells partially elevated IL-6 in whole blood.
Conclusions:
- IIRF stimulates the innate immune response through the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, primarily IL-6.
- The findings support a role for IIRF as an immune-boosting agent via IL-6 pathway activation.
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