Expression of p57-Kip2 in monocytes and macrophages

The p57-Kip2 gene encodes a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor and hence this gene has received much attention in the study of malignancy. We have analysed expression of this gene in human monocytes and macrophages. In comparison to CD14++ monocytes, p57-Kip2 expression was higher in both CD14+16+ monocytes and alveolar macrophages. p57-Kip2 expression decreased in CD14++ monocytes after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide but increased after incubation with methylprednisolone. The results indicate that p57-Kip2 may be involved in regulating the inflammatory response of monocytic cells.