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Induction of regulatory T cells by the immunodulating cytokines alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and transforming growth factor-beta 2

Namba K, Kitaichi N, Nishida T +1 more2002Journal of Leukocyte BiologyJournal Article
10.1189/jlb.72.5.946
CardiovascularEndocrine (ADH/ACTH/MSH)GastrointestinalHypothalamic-PituitaryImmune/InnateMusculoskeletalNeurologicalOcularRespiratory/Sinus
ActinomycetesBacterial EndotoxinsIndoor Mold (Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, etc.)MycotoxinsVolatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Water-Damaged Buildings (WDB)

Abstract

AbstractRecently, we have reported that the cytokines α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) work in synergy to induce the activation of regulatory T (Treg) cells. When we used α-MSH and TGF-β2 to generate ocular autoantigen-specific Treg cells and adoptively transferred them into mice susceptible to experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU), there was suppression in the incidence and severity of EAU. Specificity to a retinal autoantigen was required for the Treg cells to suppress EAU. When stimulated, these Treg cells produced TGF-β1, and their production of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-4 was suppressed. Also, the Treg cells are suppressed in their proliferative response. Our results demonstrate that α-MSH with TGF-β2 induce Treg cells that can subdue a tissue-specific autoimmune response. This also promotes the possibility of using these immunomodulating cytokines to purposely induce antigen-specific Treg cells to prevent and suppress autoimmune disease.

Key Biomarkers

Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH)Interferon-gammaInterleukin-10 (IL-10)Interleukin-4 (IL-4)Regulatory T cells (Treg)TGF-β1transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2)

Symptom Clusters

Appetite swingsConfusionCoughDifficulty with concentrationExcessive thirstFatigueFrequent urinationHeadacheJoint painLight sensitivityMemory lossMood swingsMuscle achesNight sweatsShortness of breathSinus congestionTingling in extremitiesWord finding difficulty

Cited By (15)

  • α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone and Related Tripeptides: Biochemistry, Antiinflammatory and Protective Effects in Vitro and in Vivo, and Future Perspectives for the Treatment of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory DiseasesEndocrine Reviews
  • The immunomodulating neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) suppresses LPS-stimulated TLR4 with IRAK-M in macrophagesJournal of Neuroimmunology · 2005
  • Sick building syndrome (SBS) and exposure to water-damaged buildings: Time series study, clinical trial and mechanismsNeurotoxicology and Teratology · 2006
  • The intricate interface between immune system and metabolismTrends in Immunology · 2004
  • Ocular Vascular Diseases: From Retinal Immune Privilege to InflammationInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2023
  • Endogenous Cortisol and TGF-β in Human Aqueous Humor Contribute to Ocular Immune Privilege by Regulating Dendritic Cell FunctionThe Journal of Immunology · 2011

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