Differential Induction of IL-12 by IFN-β and IFN-γ in Human Macrophages

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Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a proinflammatory cytokine secreted by antigen-presenting cells (APC) in response to microbial antigens and mitogens. IL-12 induces interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production and enhances cellular immune responses. Conversely, IFN-γ does not induce IL-12 but can prime its production by phagocytic cells in response to antigenic stimuli. In this study, we examined the effect of IFN-β on IL-12 production in human macrophages, as IFN-β is a natural protein produced by virus-infected cells. We demonstrate that, unlike IFN-γ, IFN-β is able to induce IL-12 production in macrophages. However, IFN-γ can enhance IFN-β-induced IL-12 in these cells. These findings suggest that IFN-β could influence the immune response to virus infection indirectly through IL-12.

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