Do interleukin-12 and interleukin-18 induce indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase ( IDO ) activity in human osteosarcoma cell lines independently from interferon-gamma?
The presented study demonstrates that IL-12 and IL-18, or even more a combined application of both cytokines, induce IDO expression besides the known pathway via IFN-gamma. These mechanisms have been shown herein for the first time in human osteosacoma cell lines. Since IDO expression could still be shown after complete blocking of IFN-gamma, we conclude that at least a second pathway is responsible for inducing IDO activity. This is in contrast to the present knowledge about IDO activation.
Investments in basic science research, even when successful, may require significant financial subsidies from academic health centers.