HLA antigen expression and induction by gamma-interferon in cultured human trophoblasts.
The expression and regulation of HLA antigens were examined in isolated human trophoblasts. Immunocytochemical studies that used monoclonal antibodies against class I (HLA-A, B, and C) antigens revealed that both cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts can express HLA heavy chains and beta 2-microglobulin. Expression of these antigens increased with time in culture. The addition of recombinant gamma-interferon (1000 U/ml) to the cultures significantly increased cellular staining for these antigens over controls throughout the 72-hour time course studied. In addition, we noted that gene expression for HLA class I heavy chain was also markedly augmented by the addition of gamma-interferon. Expression of class II (HLA-DR) antigens was not detected in any of the experiments. These results suggest that during in vitro differentiation, cytotrophoblasts can express class I HLA antigens and the genes controlling their production can be regulated. Alterations in the expression or suppression of these antigens during pregnancy could be responsible for some pregnancy complications.
D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000378:metabolism*
D006680:HLA Antigens; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007371:Interferon-gamma