Induction of interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐10 by the OKT3 monoclonal antibody: Possible relevance to posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders

Before exerting its potent immunosuppressive properties, the OKT3 monoclonal antibody induces the activation of T cells and monocytic cells. In this paper, we present evidence that this activation step results in the release of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10). Since IL‐6 favors the outgrowth of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐infected cells and IL‐10 impairs the T‐cell defences against EBV, we suggest that these cytokines could be involved in the pathogenesis of EBV‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders developing in transplant patients receiving multiple courses of OKT3.