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Interleukin 4 (IgG1 induction factor): a multifunctional lymphokine acting also on T cells
European Journal of Immunology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Interleukin 4 (IL4) activates T cells, promoting DNA synthesis and growth in normal T cells, but only DNA synthesis in T cell lines. This suggests lymphokines have broader immune functions than previously understood.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The murine interleukin 4 (IL4) gene has been recently cloned.
- IL4 is also known as IgG1 induction factor or B cell-stimulating factor no. 1.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biological activities of recombinant IL4 in various T cell assays.
- To determine the effects of IL4 on T cell proliferation and activation.
Main Methods:
- Testing recombinant IL4 on the murine T cell line CTLL.
- Assessing IL4's impact on normal concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated T cells.
- Evaluating IL4's effects on Lyt-2+ and L3T4+ T cells.
Main Results:
- IL4 induced DNA synthesis in CTLL cells but did not promote growth.
- IL4 stimulated both DNA synthesis and growth in normal Con A-activated T cells.
- IL4 exhibited T cell growth factor-like activities independent of IL-2 receptor signaling and acted synergistically with mitogens on T cells and thymocytes.
Conclusions:
- Recombinant IL4 demonstrates T cell growth factor-like activities.
- IL4 influences both DNA synthesis and proliferation in normal T cells.
- These findings suggest lymphokines possess a wider spectrum of immune regulatory functions than previously recognized.