Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone suppresses antigen-stimulated T cell production of gamma-interferon.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone suppresses antigen-stimulated T cell production of gamma-interferon.

Neuroimmunomodulation. 1994 May-Jun;1(3):188-94. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/96053032
Taylor AW; Streilein JW; Cousins SW; Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA 02114, USA.

Abstract: The neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is known to suppress cytokine-mediated inflammation. In addition, we previously found that alpha-MSH suppressed the production of the proinflammatory cytokine interferon (IFN)-gamma by antigen-stimulated primed lymph node T cells. This immunosuppressive activity of alpha-MSH on lymph node T cell cultures is similar to that of interleukin (IL)-4. To further examine the potential 'IL-4 like' activities of alpha-MSH, antigen-stimulated lymph node T cell cultures were treated with alpha-MSH in the presence of neutralizing anti-IL-4 antibodies. The enhanced production of IFN-gamma caused by the presence of anti-IL-4 alone in the T cell cultures was squelched by alpha-MSH. This demonstrated that in these cultures, alpha-MSH regulation of IFN-gamma production operates in a fashion similar to that of endogenous IL-4. Addition of exogenous IL-4 to antigen-stimulated lymph node T cell cultures did not intensify alpha-MSH down-regulation of IFN-gamma production, and the addition of alpha-MSH to IL-4-treated cultures did not further depress IFN-gamma production. These and the previous results suggest that the mechanism of alpha-MSH suppression of IFN-gamma production in the antigen-stimulated T cell cultures is similar to, but independent of, IL-4. When antigen-presenting cells (APCs) were the only cells in the antigen-stimulated T cell cultures treated with alpha-MSH, there was a significant reduction (60-70%) of APC elicitation of IFN-gamma production by untreated primed T cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Keywords: alpha-MSH/*PHARMACOLOGY Animal Antigen Presentation/*DRUG EFFECTS Antigens, Bacterial/IMMUNOLOGY Depression, Chemical Inflammation/PHYSIOPATHOLOGY Interferon Type II/*BIOSYNTHESIS/GENETICS Lymph Nodes/CYTOLOGY Lymphocyte Transformation Mice Mice, Inbred BALB C Mycobacterium tuberculosis/IMMUNOLOGY Neuroimmunomodulation/*PHYSIOLOGY Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. Th1 Cells/*DRUG EFFECTS/IMMUNOLOGY/METABOLISM JOURNAL ARTICLE
960330
M9630740

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1996. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1996. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .