Il-6 protein production by airway epithelial(-like) cells disabled in IL-6mRNA degradation

IL-6 mRNA and protein expression in human airway epithelial-like H292 cells depends on rapid, but regulable IL-6 mRNA degradation. We restricted IL-6 mRNA degradation by partially inhibiting protein synthesis and studied the IL-6 response, Despite partial inhibition of protein synthesis, IL-6 protei n production was increased and prolonged. Furthermore, the threshold concen tration for stimuli of IL-6 protein production decreased and the dose-respo nse curves became steeper. Similar findings were obtained with primary huma n bronchial epithelial cells. This exaggerated production may apply to othe r proteins encoded by labile mRNA and is likely to occur during viral infec tion of airway epithelial cells, (C) 2000 Academic Press.