High-level IL-12 production by human dendritic cells requires two signals

IL-12 is a key cytokine in the development of T(h)1 responses. IL-12 production by antigen-presenting cells (APC) can be induced by the interaction between CD40 on the APC and CD40 ligand (CD40L) expressed on T cells after activation. Our previous study indicated that in dendritic cells (DC), the only APC that can activate naive T-h cells efficiently, the mere CD40 engagement is insufficient to induce IL-12 production. The aim of the present study was to dissect the conditions for efficient IL-12 production by DC further. Using populations of naive and memory T-h cells, recombinant CD40L, neutralizing and blocking antibodies, and by determining IFN-gamma production and CD40L expression levels, we here show that T cell-induced IL-12 production by DC results from the action of two signals, mediated by CD40L and IFN-gamma, and that the inability of naive T-h cells to induce IL-12 production resides in their inability to produce IFN-gamma, Other factors than CD40L and IFN-gamma can provide the required signals for IL-12 production by DC, as either factor could be replaced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), The two-signal requirement proved unique for the production of IL-12, since either CD40 engagement or LPS was sufficient for the efficient production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-8 and the p40 subunit of IL-12, and may be considered as a safety mechanism for optimal control of potentially harmful T(h)1 responses.