Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Evaluation of the In vivo Antitumor Activity of Polyanhydride IL-1α Nanoparticles
09:57

Evaluation of the In vivo Antitumor Activity of Polyanhydride IL-1α Nanoparticles

Published on: June 28, 2021

Cytocidal effect of interleukin 1 (IL-1) on HeLa cells is mediated by both soluble and transmembrane tumor necrosis

Małgorzata Doszczak1, Arkadiusz Pierzchalski1, Jolanta Grzenkowicz1

  • 1Cell Biology Unit, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, Medical University of Gdańsk, ul. Dębinki 1, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland.

Cytokine
|April 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) induces cell death in HeLa cells via tumor necrosis factor (TNF). This study reveals IL-1 cytotoxicity is an indirect effect mediated by both soluble and transmembrane TNF.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cytokine Signaling

Background:

  • Interleukin 1 (IL-1) is a cytokine with known cytotoxic effects.
  • The precise mechanism of IL-1-induced cell death, particularly in combination with cycloheximide (CHX), requires elucidation.
  • Similarities between IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) effects suggest a potential link.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism underlying IL-1-induced cytocidal effects in HeLa cells when combined with cycloheximide (CHX).
  • To determine if IL-1 cytotoxicity is a direct or indirect process.
  • To identify the specific molecular mediators involved in IL-1-induced cell death.

Main Methods:

  • HeLa cells were treated with Interleukin 1 (IL-1) and cycloheximide (CHX).
  • Supernatants were analyzed for cytotoxic activity on other cell lines.
  • Neutralizing antibodies against TNF were used to block cell death.
  • TNF levels were quantified using flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and ELISA.
  • The role of TNF sheddase (TACE) was investigated using specific inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • IL-1/CHX treatment induced cell death patterns similar to TNF.
  • Supernatants from IL-1/CHX treated cells exhibited toxicity towards TNF-sensitive cells.
  • Neutralization of TNF abrogated IL-1/CHX-induced HeLa cell death.
  • Both soluble and transmembrane TNF were detected in treated HeLa cells.
  • Inhibition of TNF sheddase (TACE) enhanced both IL-1/CHX cytotoxicity and TNF levels.

Conclusions:

  • IL-1-induced cytotoxicity in HeLa cells with CHX is an indirect mechanism.
  • The process is dependent on the generation and function of both soluble and transmembrane TNF.
  • IL-1 treatment leads to an increased amount of transmembrane TNF, contributing to cell death.

More Related Videos

Isolation and Expansion of Cytotoxic Cytokine-induced Killer T Cells for Cancer Treatment11:11

Isolation and Expansion of Cytotoxic Cytokine-induced Killer T Cells for Cancer Treatment

Published on: January 24, 2020

Generation of Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumors and Ex vivo Characterization of Tumor-Infiltrating T Cell Cytotoxicity06:16

Generation of Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumors and Ex vivo Characterization of Tumor-Infiltrating T Cell Cytotoxicity

Published on: December 7, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response01:28

Cells of the Innate Immune Response

The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death01:11

Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death

Cell death is the irreversible loss of cellular structure and function, representing the final stage of severe injury. It plays a key role in both normal physiology and disease.Types of Cell DeathThe two main types are necrosis and apoptosis, though others like necroptosis and pyroptosis also exist.Necrosis:Necrosis is an unregulated form of cell death caused by severe injury such as trauma, toxins, or ischemia. It is characterized by cell swelling, membrane loss, rupture, and leakage of...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...