Human IL4I1 is a secreted L-phenylalanine oxidase expressed by mature dendritic cells that inhibits T-lymphocyte proliferation

Interleukin-4-induced gene 1 (IL4I1) was first described as a B-cell IL-4-inducible gene and is highly expressed in primary mediastinal B-cell lymphomas. We established stable HEK293 clones expressing human and mouse IL4I1 to examine their biochemical properties and function. Both proteins were secreted into the culture medium, and we observed the secretion of endogenous human IL4I1 (hIL4I1) protein in a mediastinal lymphoma B-cell line, MedB-1. We showed that IL4I1 has L-amino acid oxidase activity, optimal at physiological pH and primarily directed toward phenylalanine. Immunohistochemical analysis of secondary lymphoid organs showed staining of germinal center macrophages and inflammatory myeloid cells. In vitro, functional enzyme was highest in mature dendritic cells (DCs), suggesting a role in antigen-presenting cell/T-lymphocyte cross-talk. Indeed, hIL4I1 inhibited the proliferation of CD3-stimulated T lymphocytes with a similar effect on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. In contrast, memory T cells were more strongly affected by hIL4I1 and its catabolite H2O2 than naive T cells. hIL4I1 inhibitory effect was dependent on enzymatic activity and H2O2 production and associated with a transient down-regulation of TCR zeta expression. Altogether these data suggest IL4I1 as a new immunomodulatory enzyme produced by DCs.