EXPRESSION OF INTERLEUKIN-10 IN HUMAN-MELANOMA

The expression of interleukin 10 (IL-10) mRNA in human malignant melan oma was investigated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactio n analysis. Selective expression of IL-10 mRNA in tissues of primary m elanomas and melanoma metastases was found in comparison with normal s kin. In addition, strong expression of IL-10 mRNA and of biologically active IL-10 was detected in 3 out of 13 melanoma cell lines. Normal m elanocytes consistently expressed low levels of IL-10 mRNA but did not produce detectable IL-10 protein, nor did keratinocytes or fibroblast s. The production of biologically active IL-10 by melanoma cell lines suggests that IL-10 mRNA in melanoma lesions may derive at least in pa rt from the tumour cells themselves. Tumour-infiltrating cells, howeve r, could also be a source of IL-10 in melanoma tissues. The presence o f IL-10 in melanoma lesions may contribute to the postulated 'paralysi s' of an anti-melanoma immune response.