title: Modulation of HLA antigen expression on conjunctival fibroblasts by gamma-interferon.
abstract: We investigated the ability of recombinant human gamma-interferon (rhIFN-gamma) to induce class II HLA antigen expression on human conjunctival fibroblasts in cell culture. Cultures were established by explanting subconjunctival tissue from normal donor globes. Fibroblasts were treated with rhIFN-gamma at concentrations ranging from 1 to 500 units/ml and incubated for 1, 3 and 6 days. HLA antigens were detected by immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies in conjunction with flow cytometry. Class I antigen was identified using a monoclonal antibody directed against Beta-2 microglobulin (a component of the class I antigen complex). Class II histocompatibility antigens were detected using monoclonal antibodies specific for HLA-DR, HLA-DP and HLA-DQ. Class I antigen was present on all cells prior to induction and showed a trend toward increased density after treatment with rhIFN-gamma. Class II antigens were absent before induction with rhIFN-gamma. After treatment with rhIFN-gamma, class II antigens were induced in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. HLA-DR expression was most sensitive to induction by rhIFN-gamma, followed by HLA-DP, and then HLA-DQ. The up-regulation of HLA class I antigen expression and the inducible expression of class II antigens following exposure to rhIFN-gamma suggest that conjunctival fibroblasts have the potential to participate in immunologic diseases of the external eye.
authors.affiliation: Jules Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Los Angeles, CA 90024.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Mondino
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kagan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D002469:Cell Separation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007371:Interferon-gamma