Demonstration of IL-1α and IL-1β secretion by the monocytic leukemia cell line, THP-1

Edwin V. Gaffney, Cheryl R. Stoner, Susan E. Lingenfelter, Lisa A. Wagner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined the secretion of IL-1α and IL-1ß by THP-1 leukemia cells following activation with mezerein and promotion of synthesis by interferon (IFN-γ). Interleukin-1 (IL-1) was not detected by co-mitogenic thymocyte assays of crude supernates. Isoelectrofocusing of concentrated medium showed that all biologically active IL-1 migrated at a pH of 6.8-7.2, indicating that the major secreted form was IL-1β. Double antibody ELISA confirmed the presence of IL-1β, but failed to detect IL-1α in isofocused fractions. Although it appeared that THP-1 cells do not secrete IL-1α; an inhibitor of thymocyte response to IL-1 was present in conditioned medium, migrated in an acidic pH range and masked the expression of biologically active rIL-1α and rIL-1ß. In contrast, IL-1α was detected using a cell blotting assay. This technique permitted visualization of subpicogram levels of IL-1 when secreted by cells attached to an immunoblotting paper. Cell blotting showed that a greater proportion of attached cells incubated for 24 h in medium containing mezerein and IFN-γ secreted IL-1 than cells in control medium. In conclusion, the amount of immunoreactive or biologically active IL-1α secreted by stimulated THP-1 cells appeared to be much lower than that reported for human peripheral blood monocytes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)211-218
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Immunological Methods
Volume122
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 1989
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cell blot
  • ELISA
  • Interleukin-1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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