A Monoclonal Antibody Directed Against the Murine Macrophage Surface Molecule F4/80 Modulates Natural Immune Response toListeria monocytogenes

Abstract

AbstractWhole spleen cell cultures from SCID mice release high levels of IFN-γ when exposed to heat-killed Listeria monocytogenes (HKL). This microbe-induced and T cell-independent response depends on both macrophages (MΦ) and NK cells: HKL-stimulated MΦ release TNF-α and IL-12, which together activate NK cells for IFN-γ release. We show here that this cytokine-mediated activation cascade can be modulated by a mAb against the MΦ surface glycoprotein F4/80. HKL-induced IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in SCID whole spleen cell cultures was inhibited by coincubation with anti-F4/80 mAb whereas IL-1 and IL-10 were enhanced. Both effects were apparent at mRNA and protein release levels. Whereas inhibitory activities were F4/80 Ag specific, stimulatory effects were Fc dependent and nonspecific. Furthermore, cytokine inhibition by anti-F4/80 was only apparent when MΦ and NK cells were present simultaneously and in close vicinity, indicating that direct cell-to-cell contact is a prerequisite. These data suggest a novel pathway for microbe-induced MΦ/NK cell interaction involving direct cell-to-cell signaling and give the first evidence for a functional role of the MΦ surface glycoprotein F4/80.