Immune interferon activates multiple class II major histocompatibility complex genes and the associated invariant chain gene in human endothelial cells and dermal fibroblasts.

TLDR

IFN‑γ upregulates HLA‑A, B and induces HLA‑DR surface expression on vascular endothelial cells and dermal fibroblasts. IFN‑γ rapidly induces parallel expression of multiple class II MHC antigens (HLA‑DR, SB, DC) and class I, reaching maximal surface levels in 4–6 days, with class II proteins persisting ≥4 days after cytokine withdrawal, implying a role in immune accessory function of vascular and stromal cells.

Abstract

Immune interferon (IFN-gamma) increases the surface expression of HLA-A,B antigens and induces the surface expression of HLA-DR antigens on vascular endothelial cells and dermal fibroblasts. Here we report that IFN-gamma induces parallel expression of two other class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, SB and DC. Maximal surface expression of all three antigens is reached in 4-6 days, and HLA-DR and -SB are induced to a higher level of expression than HLA-DC. For all three class II antigens, induction is marked by the de novo appearance of detectable transcripts of class II heavy and light chains and of the non-MHC-encoded invariant chain, suggestive of the transcription of multiple previously silent genes. Class I message levels and antigen expression are also increased by IFN-gamma at similar rates but from initial levels that are 50% of maximal. After removal of IFN-gamma, class II antigen expression persists for at least 4 days, while mRNA levels decrease rapidly. The parallel induction and persistence of the several class II MHC antigens may be important in conferring immune accessory function on vascular and stromal cells.