Activation of naive T and B cells occurs only within the context of organized lymphoid tissue. Thus, the continuous recirculation of mature lymphocytes is crucial for the development of primary immune response to foreign Ags. We have previously shown that low levels of IFN-γ inhibit homing of B cells to the secondary lymphoid organs. In this study, we demonstrate that similarly low doses of IFN-γ down-regulate integrin-mediated adhesion and migration of naive T and Th2 cells, and have a profound effect on the in vivo homing of naive T cells to the lymph nodes. Moreover, we show that these low doses of IFN-γ have anti-inflammatory effects in an in vivo asthma model. Thus, in contrast to the proinflammatory effects of IFN-γ at relatively high concentrations, low dose IFN-γ appears to exert global suppressory effects on T cell trafficking and may have clinical application as an anti-inflammatory agent.
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