Interleukin 15 production by macrophages in the implant interface membrane of aseptically loosened joint replacements

P A Revell; S E Jellie

doi:10.1023/a:1008903018885

Interleukin 15 production by macrophages in the implant interface membrane of aseptically loosened joint replacements

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 1998 Dec;9(12):727-30. doi: 10.1023/a:1008903018885.

Authors

P A Revell¹, S E Jellie

Affiliation

¹ Osteoarticular Research Group and IRC in Biomedical Materials, Department of Histopathology, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK. parevell@rfhsm.ac.uk

PMID: 15348930
DOI: 10.1023/a:1008903018885

Abstract

The T lymphocytes are cells involved in immunologically mediated hypersensitivity reactions. They are found in the cellular infiltrate present in the interface membrane of aseptically loosened joint prostheses. Activation of these cells has been demonstrated but not the important cytokine, interleukin 2 (IL2) required for such activation. This study describes the localization of IL15 and its mRNA in macrophages in interface membranes associated with activated T lymphocytes which are proliferating (as is evident from HLA-DR and Ki67 expression, respectively). The findings provide further evidence for immune mediated processes in aseptic loosening of orthopaedic implants because IL15 has similar activities to IL2 in T lymphocyte activation.