Interleukin-10 and Th2 cytokines differentially regulate osteopontin expression in human monocytes and dendritic cells

Osteopontin (OPN) is a pleiotrophic phosphoprotein involved in homeostatic and pathophysiologic responses. It is known to be a chemotactic cytokine for dendritic cells (DCs), a critical cell type in both innate and adaptive immune responses. We report herein a contrasting role of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Th2 cytokines in the regulation of OPN expression in human monocytes and monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DCs). Our results showed first that the expression of OPN in monocytes and Mo-DCs was induced in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner by IL-10 but was inhibited by IL-4 or IL-13. Further, the basal level of OPN expression was also inhibited by IL-4. This inhibitory effect of IL-4 was associated with a faster decay of OPN transcripts and a decreased proximal promoter activity of OPN in IL-4-treated cells. These results demonstrate a novel role of IL-10 and Th2 cytokines in the regulation of DC function through their contrasting regulatory activities on the expression of OPN. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc

Interleukin-10 and Th2 Cytokines Differentially Regulate Osteopontin Expression in Human Monocytes and Dendritic Cells

Osteopontin (OPN) is a pleiotrophic phosphoprotein involved in homeostatic and pathophysiologic responses. It is known to be a chemotactic cytokine for dendritic cells (DCs), a critical cell type in both innate and adaptive immune responses. We report herein a contrasting role of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Th2 cytokines in the regulation of OPN expression in human monocytes and monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DCs). Our results showed first that the expression of OPN in monocytes and Mo-DCs was induced in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner by IL-10 but was inhibited by IL-4 or IL-13. Further, the basal level of OPN expression was also inhibited by IL-4. This inhibitory effect of IL-4 was associated with a faster decay of OPN transcripts and a decreased proximal promoter activity of OPN in IL-4-treated cells. These results demonstrate a novel role of IL-10 and Th2 cytokines in the regulation of DC function through their contrasting regulatory activities on the expression of OPN. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc

Open Letter on Shaken Baby Syndrome and Courts: A False and Flawed Premise

The Open Letter on Shaken Baby Syndrome and Courts has been prepared under the auspices of the International Public Health Research Group [IPHRG]. It was developed from initial drafts by Bill Bache and Charles Pragnell. Final drafting and editing was by Dr Lynne Wrennall, Executive Director of the International Public Health Research Group and the Managing Editor of Argument & Critique. The process of writing the letter has relied on the published research in the field, much of it, published research by the signatories to the letter. The process has also drawn on the iterative contribution of insights by the signatories to the letter. For the purpose of developing the letter, The International Public Health Research Group has functioned as a Delphi group, advising on the process and content relating to the letter