Recombinant gamma interferon and in vivo induction of HLA-DR antigens

Abstract

Recombinant human IFN‐γ, used for treatment of melanoma and renal carcinoma, was found to induce HLA‐DR expression on human keratinocytes in vivo. HLA‐DR antigens bound to keratinocytes of the basal and suprabasal layers of the epidermis were observed after intramuscular or intravenous injections of 0.5 mg/kg body weight IFN‐y, 3 times a week. Keratinocyte‐bound HLA‐DR antigens were ftrst observed at the beginning of the third or fourth week of treatment, but HLA‐DQ and HLA‐DP antigens were never detected on keratinocytes. The intracytoplasmic constant (lO chain of the class II molecules was also not detectable within the keratinocytes. Paticnts who received IFN‐α₂ therapy, did not exhibit keratinocyte‐bound HLA‐DR antigens.