IFN-α and IL-12 Induce IL-18 Receptor Gene Expression in Human NK and T Cells

Abstract

IL-18 is a proinflammatory cytokine that enhances innate and specific Th1 immune responses. During microbial infections, IL-18 is produced by activated macrophages. IL-18 exerts its effects in synergy with IFN-α or IL-12 to induce IFN-γ. Here we show that in human NK and T cells IFN-α and IL-12 strongly up-regulate mRNA expression of the IL-18R components, accessory protein-like (AcPL) and IL-1R-related protein (IL-1Rrp). In addition, IFN-α enhanced the expression of MyD88, an adaptor molecule involved in IL-18 signaling. Pretreatment of T cells with IFN-α or IL-12 enhanced IL-18-induced NF-κB activation and sensitized the cells to respond to lower concentrations of IL-18. AcPL and IL-1Rrp genes were strongly expressed in T cells polarized with IL-12, whereas in IL-4-polarized cells these genes were expressed at very low levels, indicating that AcPL and IL-1Rrp genes are preferentially expressed in Th1 cells. In conclusion, the results suggest that IFN-α and IL-12 enhance innate as well as Th1 immune response by inducing IL-18R expression.