IFN-α2b increases interleukin-10 expression in primary activated human CD8⁺ T cells

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a multifunctional cytokine with diverse effects on most hematopoietic cell types. It appears the principal function of IL-10 is to limit and ultimately terminate inflammatory response. We demonstrate here that interferon-α2b (IFN-α) increases the expression of IL-10 in activated primary CD8⁺ T cells. Optimal induction of mRNA expression and protein synthesis was observed when IFN-α was added to cells activated by the combination of anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and IL-2. Maximal stimulation of IL-10 protein production was observed after prolonged incubation periods (48-72 h). No effects were observed on the production of IL-4, whereas IFN-γ was produced with a faster kinetics than an untreated control. Our data indicate that IFN-α promotes the development of a CD8⁺ T cell population with enhanced anti-inflammatory activity, which may play a critical role in the regulation of a proper immune response.