α_s1-Casein-specific CD8⁺ T Cell Clone That Inhibits Its Own Interferon-γ Production by Producing Interleukin-10

Abstract

A CD8⁺ T cell clone specific to α_s1-casein, one of the major allergens in milk, is shown to inhibit its own production of interferon (IFN)-γ by producing interleukin (IL)-10. Anti-IL-10 antibodies enhanced the production of IFN-γ induced by the antigen plus antigen-presenting cells from 12h onward after initiating the culture. This enhancing effect was observed only when the cells were stimulated in the presence of the antigen-presenting cells. Neither IL-2 nor IL-4 abrogated this enhancing effect. This reveals a new regulating mechanism for IFN-γ production from CD8⁺ T cells.