Modulation of C2 and C3 gene expression of human peripheral blood monocytes by interleukin 1β, interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor α and lipopolysaccharide

The effect of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interferon γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of the C2 and C3 genes in human adherent monocytes was studied. Stimulation of monocytes with IFN-γ increased both C2 and C3 mRNA. IL-1β also increased C2 mRNA level, whereas C3 gene expression was not enhanced. TNFα failed to increase either C2 or C3 mRNA. LPS increased C2 mRNA, but suppressed C3 gene expression. These results suggest that C2 and C3 production by monocytes is regulated by IL-1β and IFN-β in the local tissues.