Interferon enhances the amount of membrane‐bound β2‐microglobulin and its release from human Burkitt cells

Abstract

Human leukocyte interferon (HuIFN‐α) increased the amount of β2‐microglobulin on the surface of human Burkitt lymphoma cells (Ramos) and also increased the amount released into the culture medium. The effect was observed 1 h after addition of IFN. These results suggest that the increase in β₂‐microglobulin on the cell surface of IFN‐treated cells is not due to a decreased shedding of antigen from the cell surface, nor an “unmasking” of surface antigen, but rather to an increased synthesis of antigen.