IFN-gamma induces coordinate expression of MHC class I-mediated antigen presentation machinery molecules in adult mouse Schwann cells.
The expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on adult mouse Schwann cells (SCs) was examined using immunofluorescence analysis. MHC class I molecules were not expressed on the surface of untreated SCs. Interferon (IFN)-gamma treatment induced expression of the molecules on the SCs. Expression of genes coding for the molecules involved in MHC class I-mediated antigen presentation was also analysed in SCs by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Expression of MHC class I heavy chain genes was faintly detected in untreated SCs. IFN-gamma treatment augmented the expression. In addition, IFN-gamma induced expression of the genes for beta2-microglobulin, the peptide transporter TAP-1 and the proteasomal subunit LMP-2, whose expression was not detected in untreated SCs. The expressions of MHC class II molecules and their genes were not detected even after IFN-gamma treatment. These data suggest that MHC class I-mediated antigen presentation machinery functions in adult mouse SCs and that the SCs themselves work as antigen presenting cells and as targets for cytotoxic T cells in some physiological conditions.
Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
Y
Y
Tsuyuki
H
H
Fujimaki
N
N
Hikawa
K
K
Fujita
T
T
Nagata
M
M
Minami
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D015342:DNA Probes; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I / Q000235:genetics*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000096:biosynthesis
D015342:DNA Probes; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D007371:Interferon-gamma