Dietary Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Reduce IFN-gamma Receptor Expression in Mice

Enrichment of immune cells in vivo or in vitro with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) has been reported to diminish their response to interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). We hypothesized that the n-3 PUFA-induced hyporesponsiveness to IFN-gamma is mediated, in part, by a reduction in the number of IFN-gamma receptors (IFNGR) expressed on the surface of these cells. To test this hypothesis, we fed mice experimental diets containing low or high amounts of n-3 PUFA. Thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages (PEC) were collected and tested for binding and internalization of [125I]-labeled recombinant murine IFN-gamma. High n-3 PUFA intake was associated with a significant (n = 2, p < 0.01) reduction in [125I]-IFN-gamma binding without affecting binding affinity (Kd). When studies were performed at 37 C, high n-3 PUFA intake reduced internalization of [125I]-rmIFN d gamma by 20%-30% (n = 2, p < 0.001). Results from flow cytometric analysis of IFNGR-1 expression on the surface of murine splenocytes were in agreement with the binding studies. Further, total cellular IFNGR-1 from PEC and splenocytes was examined via immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. High n-3 PUFA diet was associated with a 50% decline (n = 3-6, p < 0.05) in total IFNGR-1 in both immune cell populations studied. These data suggest that reduced IFNGR expression may be responsible for immune cell hyporesponsiveness to IFN-gamma, which may, in part, explain some of the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects associated with the consumption of diets high in n-3 PUFA.