Lectin-induced expression of DR antigen on human cultured follicular thyroid cells.
HLA-DR antigens, the human equivalent of mouse I region-associated or Ia products, are polymorphic cell surface sialoglycoproteins involved in initiation of the immune response. Their expression is normally restricted to B lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic and other antigen-presenting cells and vascular endothelium and possibly some cells of the mucosa lining body cavities. HLA-DR expression can be modified during cell differentiation; B lymphocytes become negative on maturing to plasma cells and human T lymphocytes acquire these antigens when activated in vitro or in vivo. We report here that human thyroid follicular cells which are normally negative for HLA-DR molecules, can be induced to express these antigens when cultured with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A) or pokeweed mitogen (PWM). These lectins exert their action directly on the thyroid cells with no concomitant mitogenic effect.
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003208:Concanavalin A; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000276:immunology*; D013967:Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens; D003208:Concanavalin A