The influence of phagocytic stimuli on the expression of HLA-DR antigens; role of reactive oxygen intermediates

Abstract

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells show after one day of culture with opsonized zymosan a decreased expression of HLA‐DR (but not HLA‐A, B, C) antigens, which can be prevented by the scavenger of reactive oxygen intermediates β‐carotene, or superoxide dismutase or indomethacin. Mononuclear cells of a patient with a heterozygous form of chronic granulomatous disease show no alterations in HLA‐DR antigen expression after culture with opsonized zymosan. Possible roles of reactive oxygen intermediates or prostaglandins in the modulation of HLA‐DR antigens are discussed.