Activation of mononuclear cells by interleukin-12: An in vivo study in chimpanzees

作者：Lauw FN^*; Te Velde AA; Dekkers PEP; Speelman P; Aerts JMFG; Hack CE; Van Deventer SJH; Van der Poll T

来源：Journal of Clinical Immunology, 1999, 19(4): 231-238.

DOI：10.1023/A:1020520130792

• interleukin-12
• mononuclear cells
• cellular activation
• Th1/Th2 balance
• non-human primates

Interleukin (IL)-12 is considered a central regulator of host resistance against a variety of pathogens. Therefore, IL-12 has been advocated as a potential therapeutic agent in infections. To determine the in vivo effects of IL-12 on mononuclear cells involved in the host immune response, four chimpanzees received an intravenous injection of recombinant IL-12 (1 mu g/kg). IL-12 induced a sustained decrease in lymphocyte counts, with decreases in CD3+/CD4+ and CD3+/CD8+ cells, while monocyte counts showed a transient increase. IL-12 injection resulted in a shift toward a Th1-mediated immune response as indicated by increased interferon-gamma production during whole-blood stimulation, while not influencing IL-4 production. IL-12-induced activation of NK cells and phagocytes, as indicated by increased NK cell cytotoxicity and increased plasma levels of granzymes A and B and of chitotriosidase activity. These data support the hypothesis that IL-12 may serve as a useful therapeutic agent in infections where a cell-mediated response is protective.

• 出版日期1999-7