Chemoattraction of human T cells by IL-18

Gracie, J., Komai-Koma, M., Liew, F., McInnes, I. , Thomson, N., Wei, X. and Xu, D. (2003) Chemoattraction of human T cells by IL-18. Journal of Immunology, 170, pp. 1084-1090. (doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.170.2.1084) (PMID:12517977)

Abstract

Cell locomotion is crucial to the induction of an effective immune response. We report here the chemoattraction of CD4(+) T cells by IL-18, a member of the IL-1 cytokine family. Recombinant IL-18 increased the proportion of T cells in polarized morphology in vitro and stimulated their subsequent invasion into collagen gels in an IL-18 concentration gradient-dependent manner. Immunofluorescent microscopy studies determined that the major cell type responding to IL-18 was IL-18R(+)CD4(+). Importantly, synovial CD4(+) T cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis responded to IL-18, adopting polarized morphology and gel invasion without further activation ex vivo, indicating the physiologic relevance of our observations. Finally, injection of rIL-18 into the footpad of DBA/1 mice led to local accumulation of inflammatory cells. These data therefore demonstrate for the first time lymphocyte chemoattractant properties of a member of the IL-1 cytokine family and its relevance in inflammatory diseases.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McInnes, Professor Iain and Liew, Prof Foo and Xu, Dr Damo and Komai-Koma, Dr Mousa and Thomson, Professor Neil
• Authors: Gracie, J., Komai-Koma, M., Liew, F., McInnes, I., Thomson, N., Wei, X., and Xu, D.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Journal of Immunology
• ISSN: 0022-1767