Recombinant gamma interferon differentially regulates class II antigen expression and biosynthesis on cultured normal human keratinocytes

• Published in: Journal of interferon research Vol. 5; no. 1; p. 23
• Main Authors: Basham, T Y, Nickoloff, B J, Merigan, T C, Morhenn, V B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 1985
• Subjects: Cells, Cultured; Concanavalin A - pharmacology; DNA, Recombinant; Epidermis - immunology; Histocompatibility Antigens Class II - immunology; HLA-DQ Antigens; HLA-DR Antigens; Humans; Interferon Type I - pharmacology; Interferon-gamma - pharmacology; Molecular Weight; Phytohemagglutinins - pharmacology
• ISSN: 0197-8357
• DOI: 10.1089/jir.1985.5.23

Recombinant gamma interferon induces class II antigen (HLA-DR) biosynthesis and expression on normal cultured human keratinocytes. HLA-DR expression was not induced on keratinocytes by recombinant alpha or beta interferons in a similar dose range nor by Con A or PHA. HLA-DR (L243) expression, as determined by FACS analysis, was detected as early as 1-2 days after addition of r-IFN-gamma to the cultures and was maximal after 4-8 days. Keratinocytes were analyzed for expression of another class II antigen, HLA-DC (Leu-10). Little or no expression of Leu-10 (DC) was detectable on these cells although Fc receptors for the IgG1 isotype were increased. These data indicate a unique role for gamma interferon in the differential regulation of keratinocyte class II antigen biosynthesis and expression. Induction of HLA-DR on keratinocytes may be functionally important in expanding the number of antigen presenting cells in the skin for the induction of an immune response and/or targeting these keratinocytes for cytolysis.