CD30-MEDIATED SIGNALING PROMOTES THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN T-HELPER TYPE 2-LIKE T-CELLS

We have recently shown that CD30, a member of the tumor necrosis facto r/nerve growth factor receptor superfamily, is preferentially expresse d by human T cell clones producing T helper (Th) type 2 cytokines. We report here that costimulation with an agonistic anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody enhanced antigen (Ag)-induced proliferation and cytokine secr etion by established human Th2 and Th0 clones. Moreover, costimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with the same anti-CD30 monoclo nal antibody resulted in the preferential development of Ag-specific T cell lines and clones showing a Th2-like profile of cytokine secretio n. In contrast, early blockade III bulk culture of CD30 ligand-CD30 in teraction shifted the development of Ag-specific T cells towards the o pposite (Th1-like) phenotype. Taken together, these data suggest that CD30 triggering of activated Th cells by CD30 ligand-expressing Ag-pre senting cells may represent an important costimulatory signaling for t he development of Th2-type responses.