Intragraft IL-4 mRNA expression is associated with down-regulation of liver graft rejection.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Intragraft IL-4 mRNA expression is associated with down-regulation of liver graft rejection.

Clin Transplant. 1996 Dec;10(6 Pt 1):542-9. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/97150003
Baan CC; Metselaar HJ; Mol WM; Tilanus HW; IJermans JM; Zondervan PE; Schalm SW; Niesters HG; Weimar W; Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital; Rotterdam-Dijkzigt, The Netherlands.

Abstract: The mechanism underlying spontaneously resolving allograft rejection following clinical liver transplantation is unidentified. In this process, immunoregulatory T helper (Th)-2 cytokines like IL-4, often identified with down-regulation of the Th1-dependent (IL-2) cell-mediated response, might play a significant but unknown role. For this reason, we analyzed mRNA expression by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction RT-PCR) in 57 biopsies derived from 19 recipients. Specimens included biopsies without evidence of rejection (n = 36), biopsies with histological evidence of rejection (n = 10) not followed by clinical signs of graft rejection, and biopsies with histological rejection that were accompanied with clinical rejection (n = 11), defined by rising serum bilirubin and aspartate amino transaminase (ASAT) levels. Intragraft IL-4 mRNA expression significantly correlated with spontaneously resolving rejections. In 70% (7/10) of these biopsies, IL-4 mRNA was detectable, while only 19% (7/36) of the biopsies without signs of rejection (p < 0.01; Fisher's exact test) and 18% (2/11) of the rejection biopsies concurrent with graft dysfunction expressed the IL-4 gene (p = 0.03). In contrast, IL-2 mRNA expression was not detectable in biopsies derived from the spontaneously resolving rejections. None (0/10) of these samples expressed the IL-2 gene, which was not significantly different from the proportion of biopsies transcribing the IL-2 gene in the absence of rejection (11%, 4/36). IL-2 mRNA expression was found more often in biopsies associated with graft dysfunction (36%, 4/11). These results show that IL-4, in contrast to IL-2 mRNA expression, is associated with spontaneously resolving liver rejection. This suggests that Th2 cells down-regulate the Th1-dependent cell-mediated immune response after clinical liver transplantation.

Keywords: *Down-Regulation (Physiology) *Graft Rejection/IMMUNOLOGY *Interleukin-4/GENETICS *Liver Transplantation/IMMUNOLOGY *RNA, Messenger/GENETICS
970630
M9761215

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 1997. 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, 1997. 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. .