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Mol. Cell. Biol., 10 1995, 5258-5267, Vol 15, No. 10
TL Murphy, MG Cleveland, P Kulesza, J Magram and KM Murphy
Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is an inducible cytokine composed of 35- and 40- kDa
subunits that is critical for promoting T helper type 1 development and
cell-mediated immunity against pathogens. The 40-kDa subunit, expressed by
activated macrophages and B cells, is induced by several pathogens in vivo
and in vitro and is augmented or inhibited by gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)
or IL-10, respectively. Control of IL-12 p40 expression is therefore
important for understanding resistance and susceptibility to a variety of
pathogens, including Leishmania major and perhaps human immunodeficiency
virus. In this report, we provide the first characterization of IL-12 p40
gene regulation in macrophages. We localize inducible activity of the
promoter to the sequence - 122GGGGAATTTTA-132 not previously recognized to
bind Rel family transcription factors. We demonstrate binding of this
sequence to NF- kappa B (p50/p65 and p50/c-Rel) complexes in macrophages
activated by several p40-inducing pathogens and provide functional data to
support a role for NF-kappa B family members in IL-12 p40 activation.
Finally, we find that IFN-gamma treatment of cells enhances this binding
interaction, thus potentially providing a mechanism for IFN-gamma
augmentation of IL-12 production by macrophages.
Copyright © 1995, American Society for Microbiology
Regulation of interleukin 12 p40 expression through an NF-kappa B half- site
Department of Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
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