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- Title
Inducible expression of H-2 and Ia antigens on brain cells.
- Authors
Wong, Grace H. W.; Bartlett, Perry F.; Clark-Lewis, Ian; Battye, Frank; Schrader, John W.
- Abstract
Cells in the brain express unusually low levels of antigens encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)1,2. This is somewhat surprising as class I (H−2) and class II (Ia) MHC antigens have critical roles in immune responses3. The activation of T lymphocytes is associated with the enhanced expression of these antigens and this effect is mediated by a specific T-cell lymphokine, γ-interferon (IFN-γ)4-17. Here we show that IFN-γ induces a dramatic increase in the expression of H-2 antigens on the cells of the brain. After exposure to IFN-γ in vitro, all surviving cells, including most astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia and at least some neurones, express H-2 antigens. Direct injection of IFN-γ into the brains of mice indicated that H-2 antigens were also induced in vivo. Furthermore, IFN-γ induced Ia antigens on a subpopulation of astrocytes. The induction of H-2 antigens by IFN-γ may render brain cells competent to initiate and participate in immune reactions and may therefore contribute to both immunoprotective and immunopathological responses in the brain.
- Publication
Nature, 1984, Vol 310, Issue 5979, p688
- ISSN
0028-0836
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1038/310688a0