Cholera toxin suppresses interleukin (IL)-12 production and IL-12 receptor beta1 and beta2 chain expression

Cholera toxin (CT) is a potent mucosal vaccine adjuvant, which has been shown to induce T helper cell type 2 (Th2) responses in systemic and mucosal tissues. We report that CT inhibits the production of interleukin (IL)-12, a major Th2 counterregulatory cytokine. IL-12 p70 production by stimulated human monocytes was inhibited by CT in a dose-dependent manner. This suppression occurred at the level of gene transcription, was maximal at low concentrations of CT, and was dependent on the A subunit of the toxin, since purified CT B subunit had minimal effect. CT also inhibited the production of IL-12 p70 by monocyte-derived dendritic cells, as well as the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha, but not IL-10, IL-6, or transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, by stimulated monocytes. The effects of CT were not due to autocrine production of IL-10, TGF-beta1, or prostaglandin E2. CT inhibited the production of IFN-gamma by anti-CD3-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cell, due in part to suppression of IL-12 production, but also to the inhibition of expression of the beta1 and beta2 chains of the IL-12 receptor on T cells. In vivo, mice given CT before systemic challenge with lipopolysaccharide had markedly reduced serum levels of IL-12 p40 and interferon gamma. These data demonstrate two novel mechanisms by which CT can inhibit Th1 immune responses, and help explain the ability of mucosally administered CT to enhance Th2-dependent immune responses.