Cytomegalovirus modulates interleukin-6 gene expression

Transplantation. 1996 Sep 15;62(5):653-8. doi: 10.1097/00007890-199609150-00020.

Abstract

Complications after lung transplantation include the development of rejection and an increased incidence of infection, particularly with cytomegalovirus (CMV). Several recent studies have suggested that interleukin (IL)-6 may be used to detect both infection and rejection after lung transplantation. In addition, IL-6 may play a role in the development of bronchiolitis obliterans after transplantation. Because CMV is also associated with the development of bronchiolitis obliterans after transplantation, we determined whether CMV induces IL-6 gene expression. We demonstrated that CMV infection increased both IL-6 protein and mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We also demonstrated that the CMV immediate early 1 gene product increased expression of the IL-6 promoter. This effect of the CMV immediate early 1 gene product was dependent upon the presence of specific transcription factor binding sites in the IL-6 promoter. These studies demonstrate that CMV may be an important cofactor in the development of rejection and infection after transplantation through its effects on IL-6.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cyclic AMP / metabolism
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / metabolism*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Immediate-Early Proteins / pharmacology
  • Interleukin-6 / biosynthesis*
  • Interleukin-6 / genetics
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism*
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / virology*
  • NF-kappa B
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Transcription Factor AP-2
  • Transcription Factors / physiology
  • Viral Proteins*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • IE1 protein, cytomegalovirus
  • Immediate-Early Proteins
  • Interleukin-6
  • NF-kappa B
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Transcription Factor AP-2
  • Transcription Factors
  • Viral Proteins
  • Cyclic AMP