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Suppression of interferon production in mouse spleen cells by cytochalasin D
Abstract:
Cytochalasin D is thought to impair microfilament function. The present study has investigated its effects on four different systems in which interferon is formed, namely (1) mouse fibroblasts induced with virus (2) mouse spleen cells induced with virus, or (3) with endotoxin or (4) by allogeneic stimulation. Cytochalasin D did not suppress formation of interferon by fibroblasts (L cells) or spleen cells stimulated with either HVJ or NDV. However it did suppress production of interferon by spleen cells in response to endotoxin or an allogeneic stimulation; here its action was apparently not on the secretion of interferon, but on some earlier event. It also suppressed the production of interferon by mouse spleen cells induced with HVJ if this had been u.v. irradiated for more than 15 min: this suggests that cytochalasin D sensitive structures do play some role in interferon production by mouse spleen cells when stimulated with HVJ, as well as when they are stimulated with endotoxin or an allogeneic stimulus.
Insights
Cytochalasin D affects interferon production differently depending on the cell type and stimulus. It did not inhibit interferon in virus-stimulated cells but suppressed it in endotoxin- or allogeneic-stimulated spleen cells, indicating an impact on early events.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Interferon production is crucial for antiviral defense.
- Cytochalasin D is known to affect microfilament function.
- The role of microfilaments in interferon induction is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Cytochalasin D on interferon production in various mouse cell systems.
- To determine if Cytochalasin D impacts interferon secretion or earlier production steps.
Main Methods:
- Mouse fibroblasts (L cells) and spleen cells were stimulated with viruses (HVJ, NDV), endotoxin, or allogeneic stimulation.
- Interferon production was measured in the presence and absence of Cytochalasin D.
- UV irradiation of virus-stimulated cells was used to probe Cytochalasin D's mechanism.
Main Results:
- Cytochalasin D did not inhibit interferon production in virus-stimulated fibroblasts or spleen cells.
- Cytochalasin D suppressed interferon production in spleen cells stimulated with endotoxin or allogeneic cells.
- The suppression by Cytochalasin D appeared to affect an early event, not secretion.
- Cytochalasin D also suppressed interferon production in UV-irradiated virus-stimulated spleen cells.
Conclusions:
- Cytochalasin D's effect on interferon production is stimulus- and cell-type dependent.
- Cytochalasin D-sensitive structures are involved in interferon production triggered by endotoxin, allogeneic stimulation, and UV-irradiated virus.
- These findings suggest a role for microfilaments in specific pathways of interferon induction.