Search results

Sort By:

Limit search:

Interleukin 18 (IL-18) as a target for immune intervention

100%

Wawrocki S., Druszczynska M., Kowalewicz-Kulbat M., Rudnicka W.

2016

vol. 63

issue 1

59-63

Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in the regulation of innate and acquired immune response. In the milieu of IL-12 or IL-15, IL-18 is a potent inducer of IFN-gamma in natural killer (NK) cells and CD4 T helper (Th) 1 lymphocytes. However, IL-18 also modulates Th2 and Th17 cell responses, as well as the activity of CD8 cytotoxic cells and neutrophils, in a host microenvironment-dependent manner. It is produced by various hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells, including dendritic cells and macrophages. In an organism, bioactivity of the cytokine depends on the intensity of IL-18 production, the level of its natural inhibitory protein - IL-18BP (IL-18 binding protein) and the surface expression of IL-18 receptors (IL-18R) on the responding cells. This review summarizes the biology of the IL-18/IL-18BP/IL-18R system and its role in the host defense against infections. The prospects for IL-18 application in immunotherapeutic or prophylactic interventions in infectious and non-infectious diseases are discussed.

The balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the immune responses to BCG and DTwP vaccines

64%

Druszczynska M., Kowalewicz-Kulbat M., Maszewska A., Rudnicka K., Szpakowski P., Wawrocki S., Wlodarczyk M., Rudnicka W.

2015

vol. 62

issue 4

913-921

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and pertussis vaccines have been found to be insufficient and their further improvement is required. In order to develop improved vaccines, a better understanding of the main pathways involved in the host's protective immunity to the pathogens is crucial. We address the question as to whether the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production might affect the host responses to BCG and diphtheria-tetanus toxoids-whole cell pertussis (DTwP) vaccines. The study population consisted of 118 healthy people, age range 18-30 years, who had been subjected to BCG and DTwP vaccination according to the state policy. Tuberculin skin testing (TST) revealed a delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) to PPD (purified protein derivative) in 53% volunteers. The variability in development of the BCG-driven DTH to tuberculin prompted us to address a question as to whether Th1/Th2 polarization is involved in the lack of skin responsiveness to PPD. PPD-stimulated blood lymphocytes from TST+ participants produced significantly more IFN-γ and less IL-10 than lymphocytes from TST- volunteers. However, TST- volunteers' sera contained more anti-pertussis IgG but not anti-diphtheria toxin IgG. Mycobacterial antigens and particularly PPD induced a higher expression of HLA-DR and co-stimulatory CD80 receptors on DCs from TST+ than TST- participants. BCG but not PPD pulsed DCs from TST- volunteers produced significantly more IL-10. Mycobacterial antigen stimulated DCs from TST+ volunteers induced a more intense IFN-γ production in co-cultures with autologous lymphocytes than the cells from TST- participants. Differences among the types of dendritic cell activities contribute to development of tuberculin reactivity in BCG vaccinated volunteers.

Refine search results

2 Acta Biochimica Polonica

1 2016

1 2015

2 Druszczynska M.

2 Kowalewicz-Kulbat M.

2 Rudnicka W.

2 Wawrocki S.

1 Maszewska A.

1 Rudnicka K.

1 Szpakowski P.

1 Wlodarczyk M.

Search results

Interleukin 18 (IL-18) as a target for immune intervention

The balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the immune responses to BCG and DTwP vaccines