Enhanced expression of β 2 -microglobulin and HLA antigens on human lymphoid cells by interferon

Abstract

Mononuclear cells from the blood of healthy normal humans were kept in cultures under nonstimulating conditions for 16 h in the presence or absence of human interferon. The relative quantities of HLA antigens [Ag] and .beta.2-microglobulin on the cultured cells were determined by quantitative immunofluorescence (fluorescence-activated cell sorter) and by the capacity of cells to absorb out cytotoxic antibodies against the relevant Ag. Interferons of different origin and purities enhanced the expression of HLA Ag and .beta.2-microglobulins, whereas membrane immunoglobulins and Ag recognized by antiserum raised against human brain and T [thymus-derived] cells were the same on interferon-treated and control cells. Similar interferon effects were observed on an Epstein-Barr virus-negative Burkitt lymphoma cell line. The enhanced expression of histocompatibility Ag subsequent to interferon treatment was observed on B [bone marrow-derived] and T-lymphocyte enriched cell populations and was dose dependent with the optimum physiological concentrations of interferon. Pre-treatment of lymphocytes with interferon for 2 h was as effective as having interferon present during the total culture period. The interferon-induced enhancement of Ag expression on cells was dependent on active protein synthesis.