Immunohistochemical demonstration of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein and interleukin-1 in human lymphoid tissue and granulomas.

Human interleukin 1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) is a specific antagonist of interleukin 1 (IL-1) action in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Presently, the significance of this protein in human pathophysiology is unknown. In the present study, monoclonal antibodies against IRAP were prepared and used to demonstrate IRAP expression in human tissues, immunohistochemically. Specifically, this study focused on lymphoid tissues and granulomatous inflammatory reactions since IL-1 is believed to play roles in lymphocyte development and inflammation. In addition, these tissues were also stained for IL-1 beta to compare the expression of agonist and antagonist. These findings indicate that IRAP expression is largely limited to macrophages and their derivatives. Strong IRAP expression was observed in germinal center macrophages of lymph nodes, spleen, and tonsil. In contrast, IL-1 was marginally expressed in these organs. Granulomas associated with active M. tuberculosis infection, sarcoidosis and foreign bodies all contained strongly IRAP positive cells, which included macrophages, epithelioid cells and multinucleate giant cells. Unlike reactive lymphoid tissue, tuberculous and sarcoid granulomas also contained IL-1 positive cells which included macrophages and their derivatives, as well as some stromal cells. Foreign body lesions showed minimal IL-1 expression. Interestingly, granulomas in patients with acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS) associated with M. avium-intracellulare contained IRAP positive cells but were negative for IL-1 expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that IRAP takes part in both physiologic and pathologic reactions. Moreover, they provide a basis to design future studies to determine the precise contribution of IRAP to these reactions.