Production of human immune interferon (Hu IFN-gamma) studied at the single cell level. Origin, evidence for spontaneous secretion and effect of cyclosporin A.
A reverse hemolytic plaque assay has been developed which specifically detects secretion of human immune interferon (Hu IFN-gamma) at the single cell level. Unstimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy adult volunteers spontaneously secreted IFN-gamma. Stimulation of these cells with concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin, or the UCHT1 monoclonal anti-human T cell antibody significantly increased the number of IFN-gamma-secreting cells. The cell producing IFN-gamma, both spontaneously and after UCHT1 antibody stimulation, is an OKT3+,4+,8-,HLA-DR-T lymphocyte as determined at the single cell level. Finally, cyclosporin A, a potent and selective immunosuppressive drug for T cells, strongly inhibited the secretion of IFN-gamma as assayed at the cell level. This IFN-gamma reverse hemolytic plaque assay has great potential for the further study of IFN-gamma both in physiological and pathological conditions.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000920:Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003524:Cyclosporins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006462:Hemolytic Plaque Technique; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D003524:Cyclosporins; D007371:Interferon-gamma