No abstract

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric cytokine that plays a central role in promoting type 1 T helper cell (Th1) responses and, hence, cell-mediated immunity. Its activities are mediated through a high-affinity receptor composed of two subunits, designated beta 1 and beta 2. Of these two subunits, beta 2 is more restricted in its distribution, and regulation of its expression is likely a central mechanism by which IL-12 responsiveness is controlled. Studies with neutralizing anti-IL-12 antibodies and IL-12-deficient mice have suggested that endogenous IL-12 plays an important role in the normal host defense against infection by a variety of intracellular pathogens. However, IL-12 appears also to play a central role in the genesis of some forms of immunopathology. Inhibition of IL-12 synthesis or activity may be beneficial in diseases associated with pathologic Th1 responses, such as multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease. On the other hand, administration of recombinant IL-12 may have utility in the treatment of diseases associated with pathologic Th2 responses such as allergic disorders and asthma.

The developmental commitment to a T helper 1 (Th1)- or Th2-type response can significantly influence host immunity to pathogens. Extinction of the IL-12 signaling pathway during early Th2 development provides a mechanism that allows stable phenotype commitment. In this report we demonstrate that extinction of IL-12 signaling in early Th2 cells results from a selective loss of IL-12 receptor (IL-12R) β2 subunit expression. To determine the basis for this selective loss, we examined IL-12R β2 subunit expression during Th cell development in response to T cell treatment with different cytokines. IL-12R β2 is not expressed by naive resting CD4+ T cells, but is induced upon antigen activation through the T cell receptor. Importantly, IL-4 and IFN-γ were found to significantly modify IL-12 receptor β2 expression after T cell activation. IL-4 inhibited IL-12R β2 expression leading to the loss of IL-12 signaling, providing an important point of regulation to promote commitment to the Th2 pathway. IFN-γ treatment of early developing Th2 cells maintained IL-12R β2 expression and restored the ability of these cells to functionally respond to IL-12, but did not directly inhibit IL-4 or induce IFN-γ production. Thus, IFN-γ may prevent early Th cells from premature commitment to the Th2 pathway. Controlling the expression of the IL-12R β2 subunit could be an important therapeutic target for the redirection of ongoing Th cell responses.