Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1992 Sep 16;187(2):596-602

Interleukin 6/B cell stimulatory factor-II is expressed and released by normal and transformed human bronchial epithelial cells.

Takizawa H, Ohtoshi T, Ohta K, Hirohata S, Yamaguchi M, Suzuki N, Ueda T, Ishii A, Shindoh G, Oka T, et al

Department of Medicine & Physical Therapy, University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Japan.

Airway epithelial cells have a potential to participate in local immune and inflammatory responses via releasing biologically active compounds. We studied the expression and release of interleukin 6 (IL-6), a multifunctional cytokine possibly involved in tissue immune responses. Primary culture of normal human bronchial epithelial cells and its transformed cell line BEAS-2B released significant amount of biologically and immunologically intact IL-6 into media. A protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide abolished the IL-6 release, suggesting a de novo synthesis. Northern blot analysis demonstrated the expression of the specific IL-6 mRNA. Human bronchial epithelial cells can produce IL-6 and contribute to the local activity of IL-6, suggesting that these cells may play a role in the regulation of airway immune responses.