CD32 expression and signaling is down-regulated by transforming growth factor-beta 1 on human monocytes.

CD32 (Fc gamma RII) is the most abundantly distributed class of IgG Fc receptors in the human body. In this study, we analyzed the effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1, a cytokine with strong immunosuppressive function, on the expression and function of CD32 on freshly isolated peripheral blood monocytes and three human monocytic cell lines, U937, THP-1 and Mono mac-6. We found that TGF-beta 1 down-regulates CD32 expression on monocytes and all monocytic cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. A mean down-regulation of CD32 expression on THP-1 cells of 54 +/- 3.2% after 24 h was found at a concentration of 1 ng/ml TGF-beta 1. At the mRNA level, TGF-beta 1 induced a twofold down-regulation of CD32. Cross-linking of CD32 induced an increase in the concentration of intracellular Ca2+, which was reduced by 50% by TGF-beta 1, suggesting a decreased downstream signaling mediated by the receptor.