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Activated mast cells produce interleukin 13
P R Burd1, W C Thompson, E E Max
1Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland 20592, USA.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Mast cells synthesize and secrete interleukin-13 (IL-13) upon activation, which then stimulates B cells to produce more immunoglobulin E (IgE). This IL-13 positive feedback loop may contribute to atopy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mast cells release mediators like histamine and cytokines upon activation.
- Interleukin (IL)-13 is a cytokine with known roles in immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether mast cells synthesize and secrete IL-13.
- To determine the functional role of mast cell-derived IL-13 in B cell activation and IgE production.
Main Methods:
- Mast cells were stimulated with IgE and antigen.
- IL-13 mRNA and protein levels were measured using reverse transcriptase-mediated polymerase chain reaction and bioassays.
- Human B lymphocytes were treated with mast cell-derived IL-13 to assess IgE production.
Main Results:
- Stimulated mast cells synthesized IL-13 mRNA and protein.
- Secreted IL-13 bioactivity reached significant levels within hours of stimulation.
- Mast cell-derived IL-13 induced IgE transcription and secretion in B lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- Mast cells are a source of IL-13.
- Mast cell-derived IL-13 promotes IgE production by B cells.
- A positive feedback loop between mast cells and B cells involving IL-13 may contribute to atopic diseases.