Impaired interleukin 4 signaling in T helper type 1 cells

J Exp Med. 1998 Apr 20;187(8):1305-13. doi: 10.1084/jem.187.8.1305.

Abstract

Cluster of differentation (CD)4+ T helper cells (Th)1s fail to produce interleukin (IL)-4. Even if restimulated in the presence of IL-4, a condition that induces IL-4-producing capacity in naive CD4+ T cells, Th1s fail to become IL-4 producers. We report that Th1 cells have a major impairment in IL-4 signaling. When compared to both Th2s and naive T cells, they display a striking diminution in phosphorylation of Stat6. They also show reduced phosphorylation of Janus kinase (JAK)-3 and insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-2 when compared to Th2s. Stat6 and JAK-3 are present in equivalent amounts in Th1s and Th2s, but IRS-2 protein levels are much lower in Th1s than in Th2s. Altered sensitivity to IL-4, the major inducer of the Th2 phenotype, may explain the stability of the Th1 state.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins
  • Interleukin-4 / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-4 / pharmacology
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Janus Kinase 3
  • Mice
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism
  • Receptors, Interleukin-4 / analysis
  • STAT6 Transcription Factor
  • Signal Transduction
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism

Substances

  • Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Irs2 protein, mouse
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Receptors, Interleukin-4
  • STAT6 Transcription Factor
  • Stat6 protein, mouse
  • Trans-Activators
  • Interleukin-4
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Jak3 protein, mouse
  • Janus Kinase 3