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Involvement of CD4 in interleukin-6 secretion by U937 monocytic cells stimulated with the lectin jacalin

M Taimi1, J Dornand, M Nicolas

  • 1INSERM U65, Université Montpellier II, Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc, France.

Journal of Leukocyte Biology
|February 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Jacalin lectin stimulates interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in CD4+ monocyte/macrophage cells. This effect is CD4-dependent, as shown by inhibition with anti-CD4 agents and lack of response in CD4-negative cells.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Jacalin lectin interacts with the CD4 molecule and inhibits HIV infection in T lymphocytes.
  • CD4 molecule is also expressed on cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of jacalin on CD4+ cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage.
  • To determine the role of the CD4 molecule in jacalin-induced cellular responses.

Main Methods:

  • U937 promyelomonocytic cells were differentiated into monocyte/macrophage lineage using retinoic acid (RA)/vitamin D3 (VD) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA).
  • CD4 expression levels were assessed after differentiation.
  • Interleukin-6 (IL-6) production was measured following jacalin stimulation.
  • Inhibition studies were performed using anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), HIV recombinant gp120, and recombinant soluble CD4.

Main Results:

  • Jacalin induced a significant increase (10-fold) in IL-6 secretion in CD4+ RA/VD-differentiated U937 cells.
  • Jacalin-induced IL-6 production was blocked by anti-CD4 agents and soluble CD4.
  • CD4-negative U937 cells differentiated with PMA did not produce IL-6 in response to jacalin, but responded to lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Conclusions:

  • Jacalin induces IL-6 production in CD4+ monocyte/macrophage lineage cells via a CD4-dependent pathway.
  • The CD4 molecule plays a crucial role in mediating jacalin's effects on these cells.
  • These findings highlight a novel interaction between jacalin, CD4, and cytokine production in macrophages.

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