Immune complex-induced interleukin-6, interleukin-10 and prostaglandin secretion by human monocytes: a network of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines dependent on the antigen:antibody ratio.

We have used two experimental models of immune complexes to study the secretion of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6 and their connection with the immune complex-induced synthesis of prostaglandin (PG) E2 by human monocytes in vitro. Immune complexes formed of tetanus toxoid and polyclonal anti-tetanus toxoid antiserum as well as heat-aggregated human serum immunoglobulins induced the release of IL-6 and IL-10 in a dose- and antigen: antibody ratio-dependent manner. Antigen-antibody complexes formed near equivalence were most effective in induction of a cytokine response. PGE2 could augment the immune complex-induced IL-6 and IL-10 secretion, but alone, did not induce cytokine secretion. IL-10 was capable of down-regulating the release of IL-6 and PGE2. Additionally, we demonstrated that endogenously synthesized IL-10 limited the immune complex-induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IL-1 beta. All three regulatory factors examined here share anti-inflammatory properties and are closely associated with the T helper type 2 (Th2) immune response. We conclude that immune complexes, besides their well-known ability no cause acute and chronic inflammation, can mediate immunosuppressive effects and influence the balance of Th1/Th2 responses.