Characterization of cytokine gene expression in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells after activation with phorbol myristate acetate and phytohaemagglutinin

Clin Exp Immunol. 1992 Oct;90(1):147-53. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.1992.tb05847.x.

Abstract

Cytokines are important mediators involved in the development of effector cells and in the regulation of immune responses. The gene expression of these mediators in T cell subset has yet to be fully elucidated. Using sensitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the kinetics of cytokine gene expression in human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were examined. CD4+ T cells were more readily activated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) than CD8+ T cells in terms of the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) mRNA expression. Quantitative differences in cytokine gene expression between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were confirmed and higher levels of cytokine mRNAs were induced in CD4+ than in CD8+ T cells. Early induction of IL-2 mRNA was observed in both T cell subsets. The demonstration of different kinetics of cytokine gene expression illustrates one of the examples of the complexity of immunoregulation. The differential response of cytokine gene expression in different T cell subsets should be taken into consideration when clinical studies in cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells are interpreted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / physiology
  • CD8 Antigens / analysis
  • Cytokines / genetics*
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Lymphocyte Activation*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / chemistry
  • Phytohemagglutinins / administration & dosage
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / genetics
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / physiology*
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / pharmacology

Substances

  • CD8 Antigens
  • Cytokines
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides
  • Phytohemagglutinins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate