Galectin-3 as a modulator of cytokine-mediated lymphocyte cooperation in vitro

Abstract

Aim of the study. To investigate the effect of recombinant galectin-3 on the cytokines secretion of various subpopulations of helper-lymphocytes (Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg) in culture in vitro. Material and methods. The material for the study was peripheral blood from healthy people (n=17), from which lymphocytes were isolated by gradient centrifugation. Lymphocytes were cultured for 72 hours in a CO2-incubator with recombinant galectin-3 and activating antibodies (antiCD3/antiCD28). The concentration of cytokines (IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-22, IFN, TNF, TGF1) in the supernatants of lymphocyte cultures was determined by enzyme immunoassay. Results. Recombinant galectin-3 in vitro enhanced the secretion of IL-17A, IL-22 by lymphocytes, acting at a dose of 0.5 g/ml; IL-13, TNF and IFN at doses of 0.5 g/ml and 1 /ml (more pronounced when acting at a dose of 0.5 g/ml) and inhibited the production of IL-17, IL-22 at a dose of 1 g/ml and IL-10, TGF1 when testing both concentrations. Conclusion: Galectin-3 has a dose-dependent modulating effect on the cytokine-producing function of healthy donors lymphocytes in vitro. Functional imbalance in blood lymphocytes under the action of recombinant galectin-3 is manifested by induction of pro-inflammatory (IFN, IL-17, IL-22, TNF) and anti-inflammatory (interleukin-13) cytokines secretion, against the background of oppression of the suppressor cytokines (IL-10 and TGF1) production. A detailed study of the immunotropic effects of galectin-3 in relation to individual lymphocytes subpopulations is relevant from the view point of development new approaches to the treatment of tumor and autoimmune diseases accompanied by excessive production of this lectin.