Transient expression of human interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma genes is regulated by interaction between distinct cell subsets.

The level of transient expression of human IL-2 and IFN-gamma genes, we show, is regulated by dynamic interaction between two functionally distinct cell populations. One is able to express these genes, while the other, bearing one of several specific surface markers, actively inhibits their expression. Defined cell subsets were isolated from PBMC and tonsil cells using immunomagnetic beads coated with monoclonal antibodies directed against surface markers. Depletion of CD8, CD11a (Leu15), or Leu8 subsets led to a pronounced superinduction of IL-2 and IFN-gamma gene expression when the remaining cell population was stimulated with mitogen (PHA) or antigen (SEB). Thus, a 10-fold increase in production of IFN-gamma was observed after removal of CD11a (Leu15) cells constituting only a small percentage of the total cell population. By contrast, depletion of cells expressing CD19, a B cell marker, did not yield any superinduction. Conversely, CD8, CD11a (Leu15), or Leu8 cell subsets, but not CD19 cells, each inhibited the induction of IL-2 and IFN-gamma gene expression almost completely in depleted or total cell populations from which they were derived. Gene expression occurring within one cell subset could be effectively inhibited by cells from a second subset. Introduction of inhibitory cells (Leu8) into a population that actively expressed IL-2 and IFN-gamma mRNA resulted in an immediate cessation of gene expression. This suppression involves a soluble mediator, since the culture medium in which such cells were activated exerted a similarly effective inhibition.