J Neuroimmunol 2002 Feb;123(1-2):160-9
Wiesemann E, Sonmez D, Heidenreich
F, Windhagen A.
Department of Neurology, Medical
School Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, D-30623, Hannover, Germany
Dendritic cells (DCs) are key regulators of immune responses and have been associated with autoimmunity in animal models and human disease.
The effects of interferon beta (IFN-beta), an immunomodulatory cytokine used in multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy, on DCs are not well understood.
Monocyte-derived DCs at different stages of maturation were stimulated with IFN-beta and DC-phenotype and stimulatory function were measured.
IFN-beta inhibited the development of DCs at early stages but enhanced DC maturation.
Moreover, IFN-beta enhanced the capacity of DCs to stimulate autologous T-cells to secrete IL-13, IL-10 and IL-5.
Thus, IFN-beta has both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects on DCs depending on the stage of maturation.