Eosinophil Colonies Research Articles

Factors that Stimulate the Proliferation and Survival of Eosinophils in Eosinophilic Pleural Effusion: Relationship to Granulocyte/Macrophage Colony-stimulating Factor, Interleukin-5, and Interleukin-3

To investigate the mechanism of eosinophilia in patients with eosinophilic pleural effusions, we measured the activities of eosinophil colony-stimulating factor (Eo-CSF) and stimulating factor for eosinophil survival in the eosinophilic pleural fluids of six patients (two with tuberculous pleuritis, two with drug allergy, and one each with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia and pleuritis associated with rheumatoid arthritis). The number of eosinophil colonies formed by the pleural fluid of patients with eosinophilic pleural effusions significantly exceeded that of control patients with noneosinophilic pleural effusions (7.5 +/- 1.9 colonies/10(5) bone marrow cells, n = 6, versus 0.3 +/- 0.1 colonies/10(5) bone marrow cells, n = 6, P < 0.01). Similarly, eosinophil survival evaluated on day 4 of culture with pleural fluid of patients with eosinophilic pleural effusions significantly exceeded that of patients with noneosinophilic pleural effusions (83.9 +/- 9.8% versus 46.1 +/- 11.2%, P < 0.001). Both activities were inhibited mainly by anti-IL-5 antibody and partially by anti-GM-CSF antibody and anti-IL-3 antibody. Mononuclear cells obtained from eosinophilic pleural fluid released the activities of Eo-CSF and stimulating factor for eosinophil survival in vitro. These findings suggest that GM-CSF, IL-5, and IL-3 are important to eosinophil accumulation in pleural cavity as stimulators of proliferation and survival of eosinophils.

Interleukin-2 and lymphocyte-induced eosinophil proliferation and survival in asthmatic patients

Background: Eosinophils are increased in the airways and blood of asthmatic patients. However, the mechanism of regulation of eosinophilia is incompletely understood. Methods: To study the potential effect of asthmatic lymphocytes on eosinophils, lymphocytes from the blood of asthmatic patients in exacerbation, or from healthy subjects, were isolated and cultured in medium alone (LC-CM) or with interleukin-2 (IL-2-CM) (125 U/ml), and the effect of supernatant obtained from these cultures on eosinophil proliferation from progenitors and survival was studied, Result: IL-2 CM from asthmatic patients significantly increased eosinophil colony formation from asthmatic blood but had no effect on colony formation from the blood of healthy subjects. IL-2-CM from asthmatic patients also significantly prolonged the survival of eosinophils. IL-2 alone and IL-2-CM from healthy subjects had no effect on eosinophil proliferation and survival. Asthmatic lymphocytes had more IL-2 receptors (CD25) than normal lymphocytes, and this difference persisted even after culture in IL-2. However, upregulation of the CD25 receptor on normal lymphocytes by incubation with concanavalin A led to the production of IL-2-CM, which did not increase eosinophil proliferation from progenitors. Conclusions: Lymphocytes from asthmatic patients but not from normal blood can significantly increase eosinophil proliferation and survival. The effects on eosinophil proliferation do not seem to be directly related to the presence of increased CD25 expression on lymphocytes.

Human Interleukin-4 Inhibits Proliferation of Megakaryocyte Progenitor Cells in Culture

We studied the effects of recombinant human interleukin-4 (rhIL-4) on megakaryocyte colony formation from enriched hematopoietic progenitors. IL-4 strongly inhibited pure and mixed megakaryocyte colony formation in a dose-dependent manner. Formation of erythroid bursts, eosinophil colonies, and erythrocyte-containing mixed colonies was not affected by the addition of IL-4 as reported previously (Sonoda Y, et al; Blood 75:1615, 1990). Delayed addition experiments suggested that IL-4 acts on an early stage of proliferation of megakaryocyte progenitors. Neutralizing antibodies (antisera) prepared against transforming growth factor beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon alpha (IFN alpha), and IFN gamma did not affect the inhibitory effects of IL-4 on pure and mixed megakaryocyte colony formation. In addition, the inhibitory effects of IL-4 was also seen in serum-free cultures and in cultures containing highly enriched CD34+, HLA-DR+ cells as a target population. These results indicate that IL-4 may function as one of the negative regulators in human megakaryocytopoiesis in vitro.

Human interleukin-4 inhibits proliferation of megakaryocyte progenitor cells in culture

We studied the effects of recombinant human interleukin-4 (rhIL-4) on megakaryocyte colony formation from enriched hematopoietic progenitors. IL-4 strongly inhibited pure and mixed megakaryocyte colony formation in a dose-dependent manner. Formation of erythroid bursts, eosinophil colonies, and erythrocyte-containing mixed colonies was not affected by the addition of IL-4 as reported previously (Sonoda Y, et al; Blood 75:1615, 1990). Delayed addition experiments suggested that IL-4 acts on an early stage of proliferation of megakaryocyte progenitors. Neutralizing antibodies (antisera) prepared against transforming growth factor beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon alpha (IFN alpha), and IFN gamma did not affect the inhibitory effects of IL-4 on pure and mixed megakaryocyte colony formation. In addition, the inhibitory effects of IL-4 was also seen in serum-free cultures and in cultures containing highly enriched CD34+, HLA-DR+ cells as a target population. These results indicate that IL-4 may function as one of the negative regulators in human megakaryocytopoiesis in vitro.

GM-CSF and Eosinophil Chemotactic Factors in an Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patient with Eosinophilia

We describe a patient with common acute lymphoblastic leukemia associated with blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) eosinophilia. Serum obtained at onset and conditioned medium prepared from T cells obtained at remission stimulated with interleukin-2 contained eosinophil colony stimulating activity (Eo-CSA), which was confirmed to be predominantly GM-CSF. Leukemic cell conditioned medium and serum obtained at remission contained no Eo-CSA. The CSF contained increased eosinophil chemotactic activity, however, this factor was not identified.

Bryostatin 1 Modulates the Proliferation and Lineage Commitment of Human Myeloid Progenitor Cells Exposed to Recombinant Interleukin-3 and Recombinant Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor

AbstractThe activity of protein kinase C (PK-C) has been implicated in the regulation of the growth and differentiation of both normal and neoplastic hematopoietic cells. We have examined the effects of the PK- C-activating agents phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), mezerein, and bryostatin 1 on the proliferation and lineage commitment of CD34+ human myeloid progenitor cells stimulated by recombinant interleukin-3 (rIL- 3) and/or recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rGM-CSF). Although each of the PK-C activators administered alone induced no colony formation, coadministration of these agents with plateau concentrations of each cytokine (eg, 50 ng/mL) increased the number of day 14 granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units by 100% to 150%. The number of pure and mixed neutrophil and macrophage colonies was substantially enhanced in the presence of PK-C activators, whereas the percentage and, in most cases, the absolute number of eosinophilic colonies was significantly reduced. The inhibition of eosinophilic colony formation was not overcome by the addition of rIL-5. Although addition of bryostatin 1 24 hours before rIL-3 abrogated the increase in total colony formation observed with simultaneous administration of factors, the inhibition of eosinophilic colonies and the increase in neutrophil/macrophage colonies persisted under these conditions. The addition of bryostatin 1 for up to 144 hours after rIL-3 continued to potentiate total colony formation, whereas the inhibition of eosinophilic commitment was lost after 120 hours. Together, these results suggest that pharmacologic interventions at the level of PK-C may regulate both the proliferation as well as the lineage commitment of human hematopoietic progenitors exposed to rGM-CSF and rIL-3.

Bryostatin 1 modulates the proliferation and lineage commitment of human myeloid progenitor cells exposed to recombinant interleukin-3 and recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor

The activity of protein kinase C (PK-C) has been implicated in the regulation of the growth and differentiation of both normal and neoplastic hematopoietic cells. We have examined the effects of the PK- C-activating agents phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), mezerein, and bryostatin 1 on the proliferation and lineage commitment of CD34+ human myeloid progenitor cells stimulated by recombinant interleukin-3 (rIL- 3) and/or recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rGM-CSF). Although each of the PK-C activators administered alone induced no colony formation, coadministration of these agents with plateau concentrations of each cytokine (eg, 50 ng/mL) increased the number of day 14 granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units by 100% to 150%. The number of pure and mixed neutrophil and macrophage colonies was substantially enhanced in the presence of PK-C activators, whereas the percentage and, in most cases, the absolute number of eosinophilic colonies was significantly reduced. The inhibition of eosinophilic colony formation was not overcome by the addition of rIL-5. Although addition of bryostatin 1 24 hours before rIL-3 abrogated the increase in total colony formation observed with simultaneous administration of factors, the inhibition of eosinophilic colonies and the increase in neutrophil/macrophage colonies persisted under these conditions. The addition of bryostatin 1 for up to 144 hours after rIL-3 continued to potentiate total colony formation, whereas the inhibition of eosinophilic commitment was lost after 120 hours. Together, these results suggest that pharmacologic interventions at the level of PK-C may regulate both the proliferation as well as the lineage commitment of human hematopoietic progenitors exposed to rGM-CSF and rIL-3.

The supportive effects of IL-7 on eosinophil progenitors from human bone marrow cells can be blocked by anti-IL-5.

Human rIL-7 was studied for its effects on myeloid and erythroid progenitors from human bone marrow cells. IL-7 did not support the granulocytic/monocytic or erythroid lineage but exclusively stimulated eosinophil colony formation (CFU-Eo) (4 +/- 3 vs 48 +/- 17 CFU-Eo/10(5) nonadherent fraction-non-T cell (NAF-NT) cells). This supportive effect was not mediated by T cells or monocytes because similar results were obtained with or without T cell or adherent depleted cell fractions. In addition, it was shown that CD34+ sorted cells could be stimulated by IL-7 (0 vs 15 +/- 9 CFU-Eo/3 x 10(3) CD34+ cells) Furthermore studies with IL-3 or granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF) demonstrated an additive effect on the IL-7 supported colony formation. Finally, experiments were performed with anti-IL-3, anti-GM-CSF, anti-IL-1, and anti-IL-5 to exclude the possibility that IL-7 indirectly stimulated the eosinophil progenitor cell. Anti-GM-CSF, anti-IL-1, or anti-IL-3 did not influence the supportive effects of IL-7. However, anti-IL-5 did abolish the effects of IL-7 on the eosinophil colony formation (69 +/- 15 vs 3 +/- 2 CFU-Eo/10(5) NAF-NT, n = 3). Similar results were obtained with CD34+ sorted cells. Moreover, IL-5 mRNA expression could be demonstrated in IL-7-stimulated NAF-NT cells. These data suggest that the supportive effects of IL-7 on eosinophil precursors are mediated by the endogenous release of IL-5.

Necrotizing Typhlocolitis Associated with a Spirochete in Rheas (Rhea americana)

Necrotizing typhlocolitis was diagnosed in 13 juvenile common rheas (Rhea americana) from three separate of geographically isolated Ohio flocks, with mortality ranging from 25% to 80%. At postmortem examination, a diphtheritic membrane covered ulcerated cecal mucosa. Histologically, cecal sections showed necrosis and granulomatous-to-suppurative inflammation that extended into the submucosa and often surrounded large eosinophilic colonies of bacteria. Warthin-Starry staining showed these colonies to be composed of entangled spirochetes that invaded the submucosa and frequently were present transmurally. Similar organisms were identified by Warthin-Starry staining in the cecum of a juvenile rhea from a fourth flock that histologically had mild lymphocytic typhlitis. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of a spirochete in the ceca. Anaerobic culture yielded a gram-negative, beta-hemolytic spirochete. Coccidia, histomonads, and Salmonella spp. were consistently absent.

Production of multiple growth factors by a newly established human thyroid carcinoma cell line.

A multiple growth factor‐producing tumor cell line (NIM‐1) was newly established from a patient with thyroid cancer and remarkable neutrophilia. NIM‐1 cells also caused severe neutrophilia in nude mice bearing tumors. NIM‐1‐conditioned medium (NIM‐1CM) contained activities that supported not only granulocyte, macrophage and eosinophil colony formation of human bone marrow cells but also the growth of colony‐stimulating factor (CSF)‐dependent cell lines, NFS60‐KX and TF‐1. Northern blot hybridization analysis revealed the constitutive expression of granulocyte‐CSF (G‐CSF), granulocyte/macrophage‐CSF (GM‐CSF) and interleukin(IL)‐6 mRNAs in NIM‐1 cells. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) using NIM‐1CM also confirmed the production of IL‐la and a small amount of IL‐1β besides G‐CSF, GM‐CSF and IL‐6 in NIM‐1 cells. In addition, unexpected production of IL‐11 in NIM‐1 cells was detected by northern blot hybridization analysis and by bioassay using an IL‐11‐dependent cell line. Therefore, NIM‐1 cell line is shown to produce multiple cytokines including potentially megakaryopoietic growth factors such as GM‐CSF, IL‐6 and IL‐11.

鼻アレルギー患者鼻粘膜上皮細胞培養上清中の好塩基性細胞および好酸球分化増殖因子

We examined the conditions, kinetics and cell sources for basophil/mast cell and eosinophil colony stimulating activity (CSA) production by nasal epithelial cells taken from house dust (HD) nasal allergic patients. Epithelial scrapings removed from HD nasal allergic patients were grown to confluence over 7 days as a monolayer of epithelial cells in medium supplemented with fetal calf serum (FCS) on collagen coated microwell plates. CSA in nasal epithelial cells conditioned medium (CM) was assessed with density-gradient separated, nonadherent peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 14-day and 21-day methylcellulose assays. In the 14-day methylcellulose assays, the number of Eo-type colonies in the presence of either 10% or 5% CM was significantly higher than the background number of Eo-type colonies (negative control). Comparison of Gm CSA among 1%, 5% and 10% CM with negative, revealed no significant differences. We also compared the Eo-type CSA in the presence of 10% significant differences. We also compared the Eo-type CSA in the presence of 10% CM in the 14-day methylcellulose assay with 21-day methylcellulose assay. There was no significant difference in the number of Eo-type colony between the 14-day and 21-day methylcellulose assays. We also examined the composition of the cells in the colonies in the 14-day and 21-day methylcellulose cultures. The percentage of metachromatic granule containing cells in a Eo-type colony in 14-day methylcellulose assay was significantly higher than in a Eo-type colony in 21-day methylcellulose assay.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Induction of granulocyte and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factors from human monocytes stimulated by Fc fragments of human IgG

The effect of human IgG on human haemopoiesis has been studied in vitro. Dialysed purified IgG stimulated haemopoietic colony growth by bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNC) but not by monocyte-depleted MNC. Culture media, conditioned by IgG-stimulated peripheral blood MNC, augmented formation of neutrophil-macrophage, eosinophil, and megakaryocyte colonies by monocyte-depleted marrow MNC. Serum-free IgG-conditioned media also contained colony-stimulating activity (CSA). IgG Fc fragments and heat-aggregated IgG promoted the secretion of CSA, but F(ab')2 fragments, Fab fragments or ultracentrifuged IgG did not. In the cell-selection studies, CSA was produced by highly enriched monocytes following stimulation with Fc fragments. The antiserum against human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and/or granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF) neutralized the CSA produced by Fc fragment-activated monocytes. Enzyme immunoassays showed G-CSF and GM-CSF in media conditioned by monocytes stimulated with the Fc fragments, heat-aggregated IgG and anti-D-sensitized red blood cells (RBC). Northern hybridization analysis showed mRNA encoding G-CSF and GM-CSF in RNA extracted from MNC and monocytes cultured with the Fc fragments, but not in the RNA from unstimulated cells or monocyte-depleted MNC. These results indicate that IgG Fc fragments, aggregated IgG and antigen-antibody complexes induce monocytes to produce G-CSF and GM-CSF in vitro. The CSFs release induced by IgG may be involved in the in vivo regulatory network in haemopoiesis.

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor/Human Interleukin for DA Cells: A Growth Factor That Stimulates the In Vitro Development of Multipotential Human Hematopoietic Progenitors

We investigated the in vitro hematopoietic stimulatory activity of leukemia inhibitory factor/human interleukin for DA cells (LIF/HILDA) on bone marrow progenitor populations in 17 normal individuals. In serum-free cultures LIF/HILDA did not induce colony growth. In serum containing media, LIF/HILDA stimulated the growth of colony forming unit (CFU)-MIX and CFU-EO in a dose-dependent fashion and resulted in an increased CFU-MIX and burst forming unit-erythrocytes (BFU-E) colony size. Similar stimulatory effects were seen on a highly purified hematopoietic progenitor population obtained after immunomagnetic depletion of mature myeloid precursors and lymphoid cells. Addition of LIF/HILDA to cultures containing maximally stimulatory concentrations of recombinant human interleukin-3 (rhuIL3), rhuIL3 + rhuIL6, or rhu granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhu GM-CSF) in serum containing media significantly increased the number of CFU-MIX and eosinophil colonies and increased size and cluster number of CFU-MIX and BFU-E. Depletion of accessory T lymphocytes or monocytes from bone marrow progenitors did not alter the response of hematopoietic precursors to LIF/HILDA. A similar increased colony growth was seen when LIF/HILDA was added to cultures of positively selected CD34/HLA-DR+ or CD34+/HLA-DR- bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells stimulated with maximally stimulatory concentrations of rhuIL3 + rhuIL6. LIF/HILDA is a novel cytokine capable of stimulating growth and proliferation of multi-lineage, erythroid, and eosinophil colonies in the presence of serum. LIF/HILDA exerts its activity by direct interaction with highly purified immature bone marrow progenitor cells, has an additive effect when used with other cytokines known to stimulate primitive hematopoietic precursors, and does not require accessory cells.

Leukemia inhibitory factor/human interleukin for DA cells: a growth factor that stimulates the in vitro development of multipotential human hematopoietic progenitors

We investigated the in vitro hematopoietic stimulatory activity of leukemia inhibitory factor/human interleukin for DA cells (LIF/HILDA) on bone marrow progenitor populations in 17 normal individuals. In serum-free cultures LIF/HILDA did not induce colony growth. In serum containing media, LIF/HILDA stimulated the growth of colony forming unit (CFU)-MIX and CFU-EO in a dose-dependent fashion and resulted in an increased CFU-MIX and burst forming unit-erythrocytes (BFU-E) colony size. Similar stimulatory effects were seen on a highly purified hematopoietic progenitor population obtained after immunomagnetic depletion of mature myeloid precursors and lymphoid cells. Addition of LIF/HILDA to cultures containing maximally stimulatory concentrations of recombinant human interleukin-3 (rhuIL3), rhuIL3 + rhuIL6, or rhu granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhu GM-CSF) in serum containing media significantly increased the number of CFU-MIX and eosinophil colonies and increased size and cluster number of CFU-MIX and BFU-E. Depletion of accessory T lymphocytes or monocytes from bone marrow progenitors did not alter the response of hematopoietic precursors to LIF/HILDA. A similar increased colony growth was seen when LIF/HILDA was added to cultures of positively selected CD34/HLA- DR+ or CD34+/HLA-DR- bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells stimulated with maximally stimulatory concentrations of rhuIL3 + rhuIL6. LIF/HILDA is a novel cytokine capable of stimulating growth and proliferation of multi-lineage, erythroid, and eosinophil colonies in the presence of serum. LIF/HILDA exerts its activity by direct interaction with highly purified immature bone marrow progenitor cells, has an additive effect when used with other cytokines known to stimulate primitive hematopoietic precursors, and does not require accessory cells.

Target cells for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-3, and interleukin-5 in differentiation pathways of neutrophils and eosinophils

To study the relationship between hematopoietic factors and their responsive hematopoietic progenitors in the differentiation process, both purified factors and enriched progenitors are required. We isolated total CD34+ cells, CD34+,CD33+ cells, and CD34+,CD33- cells individually from normal human bone marrow cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS), and examined the effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), and IL-5 on in vitro colony formation of these cells. CD34+,CD33+ cells formed granulocyte colonies in the presence of G-CSF. Both CD34+,CD33+ cells and CD34+,CD33- cells formed granulocyte/macrophage colonies in the presence of IL-3. Eosinophil (Eo) colonies were only formed by CD34+,CD33- cells in response to IL-3, but scarcely formed by CD34+ cells in the presence of IL-5. We performed the two-step cultures consisting of the primary liquid culture for 6 days and the secondary methylcellulose culture, and serially examined changes in phenotypes of ,he cells cultured in the primary culture. CD34-,CD33+ cells derived from CD34+,CD33+ cells by preincubation with G-CSF or IL-3 formed Eo colonies in the presence of IL-5 but not IL-3. CD34-,CD33+ cells derived from CD34+,CD33- cells by preincubation with IL-3 also formed Eo colonies by support of IL-5 as well as IL-3. Both CD34+ cells gradually lost the CD34 antigen by day 6 of incubation with G-CSF or IL-3. Loss of this antigen was well-correlated with acquisition of susceptibility to IL-5. It was concluded that G-CSF supported the neutrophil differentiation of committed colony-forming cells, IL-3 supported that of both committed and multipotent colony-forming cells. G-CSF and IL-3 also supported the early stage of E. differentiation; IL-5 supported the late stage of that.

Target Cells for Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor, Interleukin-3, and Interleukin-5 in Differentiation Pathways of Neutrophils and Eosinophils

Abstract To study the relationship between hematopoietic factors and their responsive hematopoietic progenitors in the differentiation process, both purified factors and enriched progenitors are required. We isolated total CD34+ cells, CD34+,CD33+ cells, and CD34+,CD33- cells individually from normal human bone marrow cells by fluorescence- activated cell sorter (FACS), and examined the effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), and IL-5 on in vitro colony formation of these cells. CD34+,CD33+ cells formed granulocyte colonies in the presence of G-CSF. Both CD34+,CD33+ cells and CD34+,CD33- cells formed granulocyte/macrophage colonies in the presence of IL-3. Eosinophil (Eo) colonies were only formed by CD34+,CD33- cells in response to IL-3, but scarcely formed by CD34+ cells in the presence of IL-5. We performed the two-step cultures consisting of the primary liquid culture for 6 days and the secondary methylcellulose culture, and serially examined changes in phenotypes of ,he cells cultured in the primary culture. CD34-,CD33+ cells derived from CD34+,CD33+ cells by preincubation with G-CSF or IL-3 formed Eo colonies in the presence of IL-5 but not IL-3. CD34-,CD33+ cells derived from CD34+,CD33- cells by preincubation with IL-3 also formed Eo colonies by support of IL-5 as well as IL-3. Both CD34+ cells gradually lost the CD34 antigen by day 6 of incubation with G-CSF or IL- 3. Loss of this antigen was well-correlated with acquisition of susceptibility to IL-5. It was concluded that G-CSF supported the neutrophil differentiation of committed colony-forming cells, IL-3 supported that of both committed and multipotent colony-forming cells. G-CSF and IL-3 also supported the early stage of E. differentiation; IL- 5 supported the late stage of that.

Interleultin‐2 treatment‐associated eosinophilia is mediated by interleultin‐5 production

During a trial using recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2) immunotherapy for acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML) in remission, eosinophilia was observed in all patients. We used in-vitro clonogenic assays to investigate the mechanism of the eosinophilia in five patients. The mean eosinophil count increased from 0.05 x 10(9)/l before rhIL-2 to 0.98 x 10(9)/l within 48 h of stopping the infusion, and an exponential correlation between the pretreatment lymphocyte CD4:CD8 ratio and the maximum eosinophil count was observed. RhIL-2 did not stimulate eosinophil colony formation by normal bone marrow. However, serum collected from patients during rhIL-2 infusion was a potent stimulator of eosinophil colony forming units (CFU-Eo), but had no significant stimulatory effect on granulocyte-macrophage colony forming units (CFU-GM). The CFU-Eo stimulation by pre-treatment serum was 2.8-fold higher than control serum. Serum collected during treatment stimulated CFU-Eo 12 times more than control serum (P less than 0.05). By pre-incubating patient serum, collected during rhIL-2 treatment, with monoclonal antibodies to murine IL-5, or human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a reduction of 80% and 38% respectively in eosinophil and GM colony production was found. The CFU-Eo stimulating effect of patient serum was in the range of the CFU-Eo stimulating effect of normal serum, after the addition of 5 u/ml of recombinant murine IL-5. The results suggest that eosinophilia was caused by IL-5 and GM-CSF production by rhIL-2 stimulated CD4 positive lymphocytes. The location on chromosomes 5 of the genes for IL-5, GM-CSF and IL-3 may be associated with regulation of expression, by a common mechanism, of all the factors known to be involved in eosinophil production. This mechanism may be activated by IL-2 stimulation. The separate location on chromosome 17 of the G-CSF gene may explain the ability of IL-2 to produce a distinct stimulus to eosinophil but not neutrophil production.

Interleukin 5 activity in sera from patients with eosinophilia

Sera from 10 patients with eosinophilia contained eosinophil colony stimulating factor (Eo-CSF) activity. Using anti murine (m) interleukin-5 (IL-5) antibody, we demonstrated that this activity was mainly derived from IL-5. Administration of prednisolone to patients decreased both Eo-CSF activity in sera and the number of eosinophils in blood. These results extend our recent study demonstrating that T cells from eosinophilic patients produce IL-5 with IL-2 stimulation and may support the speculation that IL-5 is an important factor which induces eosinophilia.

In vivo administration of antibody to interleukin-5 inhibits increased generation of eosinophils and their progenitors in bone marrow of parasitized mice

Bone marrow of mice parasitized with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis showed increased numbers of eosinophils as early as 4 days after infection. By day 7, their bone marrow also contained elevated numbers of progenitors that form small eosinophil colonies (20 to 50 cells) in soft agar cultures supplemented with interleukin-5 (IL-5). However, when mice were infused with anti-IL-5 antibodies at the time of infection, the number of recognizable eosinophils present in bone marrow remained low and eventually dropped below normal levels. The antibody treatment also prevented increased generation of IL-5- responsive precursors capable of differentiating into mature eosinophils in liquid culture and inhibited the generation of progenitor cells capable of forming small eosinophil colonies or clusters in soft agar cultures. The results of these in vivo experiments directly show that IL-5 is an essential regulatory molecule required for the bone marrow-dependent phase of a parasite-induced eosinophilia.

In Vivo Administration of Antibody to Interleukin-5 Inhibits Increased Generation of Eosinophils and Their Progenitors in Bone Marrow of Parasitized Mice

Bone marrow of mice parasitized with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis showed increased numbers of eosinophils as early as 4 days after infection. By day 7, their bone marrow also contained elevated numbers of progenitors that form small eosinophil colonies (20 to 50 cells) in soft agar cultures supplemented with interleukin-5 (IL-5). However, when mice were infused with anti-IL-5 antibodies at the time of infection, the number of recognizable eosinophils present in bone marrow remained low and eventually dropped below normal levels. The antibody treatment also prevented increased generation of IL-5-responsive precursors capable of differentiating into mature eosinophils in liquid culture and inhibited the generation of progenitor cells capable of forming small eosinophil colonies or clusters in soft agar cultures. The results of these in vivo experiments directly show that IL-5 is an essential regulatory molecule required for the bone marrow-dependent phase of a parasite-induced eosinophilia.