The role of cytokines in polymyositis: interferon-gamma induces class Ii and enhances class i major histocompatibility complex antigen expression on cultured human muscle cells
Kalovidouris, A.E.
Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine 120(2): 244-251
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-2143 PMID: 1500823 Document Number: 391777
Aberrant expression of class II major histocompatibility complex molecules has been found on target cells of various autoimmune diseases, including muscle fibers in patients with polymyositis-dermatomyositis. In this study the effects of a number of recombinant human cytokines, individually and in combination, on class I and class II molecule expression by cultured human muscle cells were examined with monoclonal antibodies and an immunoperoxidase technique. The following cytokines were tested: interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, tumor necrosis factor-beta, interleukin-2, interleukin-1 alpha and interleukin-1 beta. Only IFN-gamma induced expression of class II molecules in muscle cells. It also enhanced the preexisting class I molecule expression by muscle cells. These findings suggest that IFN-gamma is involved in the aberrant expression of major histocompatibility complex molecules in the affected muscles of patients with polymyositis-dermatomyositis.