Aa. Bickerstaff et al., Transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-10 subvert alloreactive delayed type hypersensitivity in cardiac allograft acceptor mice, TRANSPLANT, 69(7), 2000, pp. 1517-1520
We have previously reported that temporary treat ment of cardiac allograft
recipients with gallium nitrate (GN) results in indefinite graft survival,
and the inability to mount donor-reactive delayed type hypersensitivity (DT
H) responses. We report that antibodies to either transforming growth facto
r-beta (TGF beta) or interleukin-10 (IL10) can uncover DTH responses to don
or alloantigens in cardiac allograft acceptor mice. The DTH responses uncov
ered with TGF beta-reactive antibodies can be blocked by exogenous IL10, an
d those uncovered with IL10-reactive antibodies can be blocked by exogenous
TGF beta. These data demonstrate that allograft acceptor mice are fully al
losensitized, and poised to make donor-reactive cell-mediated immune respon
ses. However, such responses are subverted by a donor alloantigen-dependent
mechanism that involves TGF beta and IL10, which in turn interfere with lo
cal cell-mediated immune responses.