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IL-12 modulates expression of hypersensitivity pneumonitis
G Gudmundsson1, M M Monick, G W Hunninghake
1Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242, USA. gunnar-gudmundsson@uiowa.edu
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|July 22, 1998
Summary
Host factors influence hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) development. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) response to inhaled antigens in sensitive mice, like C57BL/6, drives HP, while resistant mice, like DBA/2, show less IL-12.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an inflammatory lung disease triggered by inhaled organic antigens.
- Host genetic factors significantly influence HP susceptibility, as only a minority of exposed individuals develop the disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of host genetic factors in the differential susceptibility to hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
- To compare the immune response, specifically cytokine gene expression, between sensitive and resistant mouse strains upon exposure to Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula (SR).
Main Methods:
- Comparison of HP development in C57BL/6 (sensitive) and DBA/2 (resistant) mice exposed to SR or saline.
- Quantification of antigen delivery and bronchoalveolar lavage cell counts.
- Measurement of IL-12 and IFN-gamma gene expression in lung tissue and spleen cells.
- Assessment of the effect of IL-12 augmentation therapy in DBA/2 mice.
Main Results:
- C57BL/6 mice developed granulomatous lung inflammation and increased lung index after SR exposure, unlike DBA/2 mice.
- Both strains showed similar antigen delivery and total bronchoalveolar cells, but C57BL/6 mice had more lymphocytes.
- Sensitive mice exhibited significantly higher IL-12 and IFN-gamma gene expression in response to SR.
- IL-12 augmentation therapy rendered DBA/2 mice susceptible to HP, similar to C57BL/6 mice.
Conclusions:
- The IL-12 response to inhaled antigens plays a crucial role in modulating hypersensitivity pneumonitis expression.
- Genetic predisposition to HP may be linked to the capacity for an IL-12-mediated immune response.