Interleukin 12 acts directly on CD4+ T cells to enhance priming for interferon gamma production and diminishes interleukin 4 inhibition of such priming

摘要: Naive CD4+ T cells produce interleukin 2 (IL-2) but little IL-4 or interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). In vitro, they develop into IFN-gamma producers depending on the conditions of priming culture. Using T-cell receptor transgenic cells, role IL-12 and in antigen-specific was examined. substantially enhanced ability naive to that produced upon restimulation. However, it not essential since anti-IL-12 antibodies failed block for observed absence exogenous IL-12. When both were present culture, did inhibit production. contrast, diminished abolish an accessory cell-independent system, strikingly augmented production, indicating acts directly cells. itself enhance production either cell-dependent independent systems. IL-12-mediated enhancement blocked by adding neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma monoclonal antibody. antibody leaving open a process. These data indicate has major effect inductive phase enhancing commitment thus can profoundly influence state immunity develops.