The interaction of hydrocortisone, interferon and the Epstein—Barr virus in lymphoid cells

• Published in: European journal of cancer Vol. 14; no. 12; pp. 1377 - 1381
• Main Authors: Leyritz, Michèle, Joncas, Jean H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.12.1978
• Subjects: Antigens, Viral; Cell Line; Cell Survival - drug effects; Herpesvirus 4, Human - immunology; Hydrocortisone - pharmacology; Interferon Inducers; Interferons - biosynthesis; Lymphocytes - drug effects; Lymphocytes - immunology; Phosphonoacetic Acid - pharmacology
• ISSN: 0014-2964
• DOI: 10.1016/0014-2964(78)90121-4

Thirty-two human lymphoid cell lines of various origins were treated with hydrocortisone (HC) 20 μg/ml for 3 days and examined for cell viability, increase in the percentage of EBV antigen-positive cells, and interferon synthesis. Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell lines ( 6 9 ) under the effect of HC were characterized by a decrease in cell viability, increase in the percentage of EA antigen-positive cells, and poor interferon response in contrast to lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from the peripheral blood of normal individuals ( 0 14 ) or patients with infectious mononucleosis ( 0 4 ). The enhancement in the expression of EBV-EA as shown by the increase in the percentage of EA antigen-positive cells following HC was exclusively seen in BL cell lines ( 6 9 ). This effect could be blocked by phosphonoacetic acid (PAA). In contrast the effect on cell viability could not be inhibited by PAA but was abolished by pretreatment of the cells with interferon.