Transforming growth factor-β1 increases C-C chemokine ligand 11 production in interleukin 4-stimulated human periodontal ligament cells.

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is a multifunctional cytokine, which can control certain functions of various kinds of cells. However, it is unclear whether TGF-β1 affects T-cell migration in periodontal lesions. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of TGF-β1 on the production of C-C chemokine ligand (CCL)11, which is a T-helper 2-type chemokine, in human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLC). Interleukin (IL)-4 induced CCL11 production, but TGF-β1 did not, in HPDLC. However, TGF-β1 enhanced CCL11 production in IL-4-stimulated HPDLC. Western blot analysis showed that the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) pathway was highly activated in HPDLC that had been stimulated with both IL-4 and TGF-β1. Mitogen-activated protein kinase activation did not differ between the HPDLC treated with a combination of IL-4 and TGF-β1 and those treated with IL-4 or TGF-β1 alone. Moreover, a STAT6 inhibitor significantly inhibited CCL11 production in HPDLC that had been stimulated with IL-4 and TGF-β1. The current study clearly demonstrated that TGF-β1 enhanced IL-4-induced CCL11 production in HPDLC. The STAT6 pathway is important for CCL11 production in IL-4- and TGF-β1-treated HPDLC.