Human eosinophils express and release IL-13 following CD28-dependent activation

J Leukoc Biol. 2002 Oct;72(4):769-79.

Abstract

Human eosinophils produce a large number of cytokines, including immunoregulatory cytokines. Given that eosinophils store and release interleukin (IL)-4, a key cytokine in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation, and that IL-4 and IL-13 share common biological functions, we investigated the possibility that IL-13 may be synthesized by these cells. Using flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry, we show that eosinophils synthesize and store IL-13. Granule localization was demonstrated after subcellular fractionation, and IL-13 immunoreactivity was localized to crystalloid, granule-enriched fractions. Furthermore, electron microscopic analyses specifically localized IL-13 to the dense cores of bicompartmental secondary granules. Upon CD28 ligation, IL-13 was released by eosinophils, whereas a combination of CD28 and immunoglobulin A complexes resulted in decreased IL-13 secretion. Furthermore, eosinophil-derived IL-13 exerts a biological effect, inducing CD23 expression on B cells. By having the capacity to synthesize and release IL-13, eosinophils may participate in the development and maintenance of the T helper cell type 2 response, a prominent feature of allergic diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CD28 Antigens / immunology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Eosinophils / cytology
  • Eosinophils / drug effects
  • Eosinophils / immunology*
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / blood
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / immunology*
  • Interleukin-13 / genetics
  • Interleukin-13 / immunology*
  • Interleukin-4 / biosynthesis
  • Intracellular Fluid / immunology
  • Microscopy, Electron

Substances

  • CD28 Antigens
  • Interleukin-13
  • Interleukin-4