Interleukin (IL)‐4 production by human T cells: differential regulation of IL‐4 vs. IL‐2 production

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Abstract
We have examined the regulation of interleukin (IL)‐4 production by human peripheral blood T cells. Production of IL‐4 was shown to be regulated differently from IL‐2 and interferon(IFN)‐γ production. Stimulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes with anti‐CD3, anti‐CD2, anti‐CD28, Phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) or IL‐2 as a single stimulant did not induce IL‐4 production. However, combinations of anti‐CD2 with either anti‐CD28 or IL‐2 resulted in IL‐4 production, peaking at days 3–4. Stimulation with anti‐CD3 instead of anti‐CD2 gave similar results, but was less potent. After days 3–4, IL‐4 levels decreased, most likely due to consumption of IL‐4. PMA profoundly affected cytokine production, it enhanced IL‐2 production by at least tenfold, whereas, in the same cell population, IL‐4 production was almost completely inhibited. This was observed at the protein as well as at the mRNA level. In contrast, agents that increase intracellular cAMP levels inhibited IL‐2 production but left IL‐4 production unaffected. IFN‐γ production behaved similar to IL‐2 production but the effects were less outspoken.

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