Interleukin-27 Induces p47 phox in Monocyte-derived Macrophages and Dendritic cells and Enhances the Potential of Reactive Oxygen Species Generation

Interleukin (IL)-27, a member of the IL-12 cytokine family, plays a significant role in the function of the immune system. We have previously showed that IL-27 is an anti-viral cytokine which inhibits HIV and other virus infection. Furthermore, we have discovered that IL-27 enhances potential of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in generating activity during differentiation of monocytes to macrophages. In the present study, the mechanism of the enhancement of ROS generation was investigated by using real time PCR, western blot, and knock down assay. We demonstrate that IL-27 is able to enhance the potential of ROS generation not only during differentiation but also terminally differentiated-macrophages and immature dendritic cells (iDC). IL-27 treatment resulted in the induction of p47 phox , a cytosolic component of the ROS producing enzyme, NADPH oxidase, and increased in amounts of phosphorylated p47 phox upon stimulation. Our data demonstrate for the first time that IL-27 is a potent regulator of ROS induction and may be a novel therapeutic target for ROS-related diseases.