TRANSFORMING GROWTH-FACTOR-BETA-1 (TGF-BETA-1) INHIBITS DNA-SYNTHESIS OF PWM-STIMULATED PBMC VIA SUPPRESSION OF IL-2 AND IL-6 PRODUCTION

The multifunctional cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is known to inhibit the proliferation of lymphocytes. However, the role of TGF-β1 in the production and secretion of various interleukins is not yet clear. In this study we have analysed in parallel the effects of TGF-β1 on both DNA synthesis and production of the cytokines IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α by pokeweed mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. With this stimulation system we show that TGF-β1 at a concentration of 15 ng/ml significantly suppresses IL-2 and IL-6 production. The release of IL-1 and TNF-α, however, was not influenced under these conditions. Under similar conditions DNA synthesis of PWM-stimulated PBMC was found to be inhibited by 50 ± 10%. Using flow cytometric methods we could demonstrate that TGF-β1 arrested the cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Taken together, these results suggest that TGF-β1 may suppress immune responses by inhibiting the endogenous production of IL-2 and IL-6. © 1994 Academic Press Limited.