90] Measurements of changes in histocompatibility antigens induced by interferons

Abstract

This chapter discusses the measurements of changes in histocompatibility antigens induced by interferons. A major nonantiviral effect, among others, of interferon is the modulation of histocompatibility antigens on the surface of a variety of cells. Concerning major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class 1 antigens (HLA-A, -B, and -C), all three types of human interferons (Hu-IFNs) (alpha, beta, and gamma) induce an increase in expression and synthesis of these antigens. When looking at MHC class II antigens, Hu-IFN-γ is the only type of interferon able to induce a substantial increase in the expression of these antigens, and cells from the monocyte/macrophage lineage are, especially sensitive to this effect of immune IFN. Several methods have been reported for the demonstration of MHC enhancement, but an indirect immunofluorescence method with subsequent measurement in a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS-II) is found to be easy, convenient, and sensitive to very small changes. By storing the data in the FACS, it is possible to recall them in a computer system for further calculations.