Interferon-induced enhancement of macrophage Fc receptor expression: beta-interferon treatment of C3H/HeJ macrophages results in increased numbers and density of Fc receptors.
Previous studies demonstrated that the augmentation of Fc receptor-(FcR) mediated phagocytosis and binding of opsonized sheep erythrocytes is cytokine mediated. Specifically, beta-interferon- (beta-IFN) and gamma-IFN-rich preparations were shown to increase binding and phagocytosis of opsonized erythrocytes by C3H/HeJ macrophages. In this report we extend these studies by examination of the mechanisms by which highly purified beta-IFN increases FcR capacity in C3H/HeJ macrophages. Our findings indicate that beta-IFN augments FcR function for both IgG2a and IgG2b receptor subclasses. Moreover, this increased ability to bind and phagocytose opsonized erythrocytes is associated with a concomitant increase in both the number and surface membrane density of FcR.
D000818:Animals; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051379:Mice; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D009895:Opsonin Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D010587:Phagocytosis; D011817:Rabbits; D011961:Receptors, Fc / Q000032:analysis* / Q000187:drug effects; D017452:Receptors, IgG; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000187:drug effects; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
D007370:Interferon Type I; D009895:Opsonin Proteins; D011961:Receptors, Fc; D017452:Receptors, IgG; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic