Cf. Yeatman et al., Combined stimulation with the T helper cell type 2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 induces mouse mast cell apoptosis, J EXP MED, 192(8), 2000, pp. 1093-1103
Mast cells are found in connective and mucosal tissues throughout the body.
Their activation via immunoglobulin E (IgE)-antigen interactions is promot
ed by T helper cell type 2 (Th2) cytokines and leads to the sequelae of all
ergic disease. We now report a mechanism by which Th2 cytokines can regulat
e mast cell survival. Specifically, we find that interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-
10 induce apoptosis in IL-3-dependent bone marrow-derived mast cells and pe
ritoneal mast cells. This process required 6 d of costimulation with IL-3,
IL-4, and IL-10, and expression of signal transducer and activator of trans
cription 6 (Stat6). Apoptosis was coupled with decreased expression of bcl-
x(L) and bcl-2. While this process occurred independent of the Fas pathway,
culture in IL-3+IL-4+IL-10 greatly sensitized mast cells to Fas-mediated d
eath. Additionally, we found that IgE cross-linkage or stimulation with ste
m cell factor enhanced the apoptotic abilities of IL-4 and IL-10. Finally,
IL-3-independent mastocytomas and mast cell lines were resistant to apoptos
is induced by IL-3+IL-4+IL-10. These data offer evidence of Th2 cytokine-me
diated homeostasis whereby these cytokines both elicit and limit allergic r
esponses. Dysregulation of this pathway may play a role in allergic disease
and mast cell tumor survival.