[Effects of IFN-alpha on the expressions of perforin and granzymes in IL-2 activated lymphocytes].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of IFN-alpha on the expressions of perforin and granzymes in IL-2-activated-lymphocytes.


METHODS
NK and LAK activities were assayed by 4 hour standard 51Cr release test, the activity of perforin was detected by hemolysis method, expression of granzyme B was measured by ABC immunohistological method, expression of granzyme A was measured by BLT method.


RESULTS
IFN-alpha significantly augmented the activities of NK and LAK in IL-2 activated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) after 1 day culture. Perforin activity in lymphocytes was increased after 1 day exposure to IL-2 or IFN-alpha, and was enhanced when exposed to the combination of IL-2 and IFN-alpha. After 3 day culture, the perforin activity remained high in lymphocytes activated by IL-2 alone or in combination with IFN-alpha, while declined to control level in IFN-alpha exposed group. IL-2 and IFN-alpha alone or in combination had no effect on expression of granzyme A and B.


CONCLUSIONS
IFN-alpha enhances the cytotoxicity of lymphocytes activated by IL-2. The mechanism might be that IFN-alpha upregulates the perforin expression.
Li
C
C
Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, CAMS and PUMC, Tianjin 300020.
Yan
W
W
Hao
Y
Y
Han
M
M
Qiu
L
L
Han
J
J
Liu
H
H
D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D053804:Granzymes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D054353:Perforin / Q000378:metabolism*
D016898:Interferon-alpha; D007376:Interleukin-2; D054353:Perforin; D053804:Granzymes