Cytokine regulation of low-affinity IgE receptor (CD23) on monocytes from asthmatic subjects

The regulation of CD23 expression (Fc epsilon RII) by cytokines on monocytes from normal subjects, asymptomatic and acute asthmatics was investigated. CD23 was weakly expressed on cells from controls, but was significantly enhanced in the two groups of asthmatics. The addition of IL-4 on monocytes induced an increase of CD23 expression in cells from controls and asthmatics. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) did not modulate CD23 expression in asthmatics or control subjects, while high doses of IL-6 (2000 U/ml) enhanced CD23 expression on cells from asthmatics or controls. In vitro stimulation of monocytes with Timothy grass pollen allergen did not enhance CD23 receptor in asthmatics with a positive skin test to this pollen. We speculate that CD23 expression in asthmatics is markedly enhanced by Th2-dependent cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-6. Thus, the regulation of Th2 cell activation by anti-cytokine therapy could have an important effect on the down-regulation of CD23 on monocytes, and in shifting a Th2 subpopulation into a Th1 subpopulation by blocking Th2-dependent cytokines.