Modulation of lymphocyte proliferation and immunoglobulin synthesis by interferon-gamma and "type I" interferons.
Interferon (IFN)-alpha and IFN-beta ("type I" IFNs), but not IFN-gamma reduced phytohemagglutinin- or pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-induced proliferation in cultures of human mononuclear leukocytes. Proliferation induced by specific antigens (tuberculin PPD or tetanus toxoid) or by exogenous interleukin 2 (IL-2) was strongly inhibited by type I IFNs and, to a lesser extent, by IFN-gamma as well. Inhibition of proliferation in mitogen-stimulated cultures was not due to a reduced production of IL-2 or to an inhibition of IL-2 receptor expression. Type I IFNs inhibited immunoglobulin (Ig) production in PWM-stimulated unseparated mononuclear cells, whereas IFN-gamma enhanced Ig production in such cultures. In cultures of purified B cells type I IFNs caused a stimulation of Ig production and this B-cell differentiation factor (BCDF)-like activity of IFNs was synergistically enhanced in the presence of IL-2. IFN-gamma produced less BCDF-like activity than type I IFNs. These results show that in some instances type I IFNs can be more potent in affecting functions of cells of the immune system than IFN-gamma.
D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000187:drug effects; D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000096:biosynthesis; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000494:pharmacology; D037102:Lectins / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects*
D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D007370:Interferon Type I; D007376:Interleukin-2; D037102:Lectins; D007371:Interferon-gamma