PRODUCTION OF IL-4 AND IL-10 DOES NOT LEAD TO IMMUNE QUIESCENCE IN VASCULARIZED HUMAN ORGAN GRAFTS1

Abstract

The delineation of T helper cell subsets into T helper type 1 (Th1) and T helper type 2 (Th2) populations based on the production of specific cytokines has been useful in understanding the regulation and progression of immune-based pathologies. In order to test the relevance of this concept to human solid organ transplantation, in situ and systemic Th1 and Th2 cytokine profiles were characterized in liver allograft recipients. Bile and serum samples obtained posttransplant were analyzed for the cytokines IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10. Significant elevations of IL-4 and IL-10 were measured at the site of graft rejection. In contrast, IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-4 were markedly elevated in the circulation during rejection. Analyses of sequential bile samples revealed that Th1 and Th2 cytokines showed similar kinetics of production in response to alloantigen. Taken together, these results indicate that acute rejection of human allografts can procede in the presence of minimal levels of the Th1 cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ and high levels of IL-4 and IL-10.