TGF-beta 1 suppresses [correction of supresses] myeloid Fc gamma receptor function by regulating the expression and function of the common gamma-subunit

J Immunol. 2003 May 1;170(9):4572-7. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.170.9.4572.

Abstract

We have previously reported that FcgammaR-mediated function in myeloid cells is a tightly regulated event that is influenced by the cytokines present in the milieu. TGF-beta1 is an immunosuppressive cytokine with pleiotropic effects on immune responses; however, the molecular mechanism by which TGF-beta suppresses immune responses is poorly understood. In this study, we have analyzed the effect of TGF-beta on FcgammaR-mediated activation of myeloid cells. We report that TGF-beta1-treated THP-1 human myeloid cells displayed reduced ability to phagocytose IgG-coated particles. Because FcgammaR expression is modulated by cytokines, we analyzed expression levels of FcgammaRI, FcgammaRIIa, FcgammaRIIb, and FcgammaRIIIa in cells cultured with or without TGF-beta1 and found while total protein levels of the FcgammaR were not reduced, surface expression of FcgammaRI and FcgammaRIII was lower in cells cultured with TGF-beta1. Concomitantly, there was a dose-dependent reduction in the expression of the FcgammaR-associated gamma-subunit. This suppressive effect of TGF-beta was likewise observed in bone marrow-derived murine myeloid cells and human monocytes. Importantly, TGF-beta1 also significantly reduced the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 induced by immobilized IgG, which would further reduce monocyte recruitment to the site of inflammation. In contrast, human alveolar macrophages were refractory to this effect, expressing low levels of TGF-beta type II receptors compared with peripheral blood monocytes from the same donor. These data provide insight into the regulation of immune responses by TGF-beta1 and demonstrate the selectivity of these effects.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Transformed
  • Chemokine CCL2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Chemokine CCL2 / biosynthesis
  • Down-Regulation / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit
  • Macrophages, Alveolar / immunology
  • Macrophages, Alveolar / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Monocytes / immunology
  • Monocytes / metabolism
  • Myeloid Cells / immunology*
  • Myeloid Cells / metabolism*
  • Myeloid Cells / physiology
  • Phagocytosis / immunology
  • Protein Subunits / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Protein Subunits / biosynthesis*
  • Protein Subunits / physiology
  • Receptors, IgG / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, IgG / physiology*
  • Receptors, Interleukin-7 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, Interleukin-7 / biosynthesis*
  • Receptors, Interleukin-7 / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Chemokine CCL2
  • IL2RG protein, human
  • Il2rg protein, mouse
  • Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit
  • Protein Subunits
  • Receptors, IgG
  • Receptors, Interleukin-7
  • TGFB1 protein, human
  • Tgfb1 protein, mouse
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1