Differential Role of Zn2+ in Antigen- and Mitogen-induced Lymphokine Production

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effect on human lymphokine production in vitro of phenanthroline, a Zn2+-chelating agent and an inhibitor of carboxypeptidases A and B, was tested. The elaboration of leucocyte migration inhibitory factor (LIF) by tuberculin-sensitized mononuclear cells stimulated with the specific antigen was reduced in a dose-dependent manner, an effect completely restored by addition of excess Zn2+. In contrast, phenanthroline did not affect LIF production by mono-nuclear cells activated nonspecifically by phytohaemagglutinin. It is hypothesized that the presence of a Zn2+-dependent molecule, possibly a carboxypeptidase, may be necessary for antigen- but not for mitogen-induced lymphokine production.