| First Author | Matthys P | Year | 2002 |
| Journal | Clin Exp Immunol | Volume | 130 |
| Issue | 3 | Pages | 379-85 |
| PubMed ID | 12452826 | Mgi Jnum | J:115532 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:3691900 | Doi | 10.1046/j.1365-2249.2002.02013.x |
| Citation | Matthys P, et al. (2002) Induction of IL-15 by TCR/CD3 aggregation depends on IFN-gamma and protects against apoptosis of immature thymocytes in vivo. Clin Exp Immunol 130(3):379-85 |
| abstractText | TCR/CD3 aggregation by injection of anti-CD3 Ab produces T cell activation, release of cytokines such as IFN-gamma, and apoptosis in the cortical region of the thymus. We show that anti-CD3 Ab induces IL-15 mRNA in spleens of wild-type but not IFN-gamma receptor-knock-out (IFN-gammaR KO) mice. The loss of IL-15 mRNA induction in IFN-gammaR KO mice was associated with increased thymocyte apoptosis. Pretreatment of wild-type mice with neutralizing anti-IL-15 Ab increased the anti-CD3-triggered thymocyte apoptosis, thus mimicking the sensitive phenotype of IFN-gammaR KO mice. Inversely, anti-CD3-induced apoptosis in IFN-gammaR KO mice was suppressed by administration of recombinant IL-15. In IFN-gammaR KO mice and in wild-type mice that were treated with anti-IL-15, augmented apoptosis affected mainly CD4+CD8+ immature thymocytes. IL-15 as well as IL-15Ralpha mRNA expression in thymocytes was not increased by anti-CD3. These data demonstrate that systemic IL-15 exerts anti-apoptotic activity on immature T cells and establish a regulatory mechanism whereby TCR/CD3 engagement induces IL-15 expression via an IFN-gamma-dependent pathway. The self-amplifying nature of this IFN-gamma/IL-15 connection may constitute a regulatory pathway in central tolerance to self. |
