Expression of class I and class II major histocompatibility complex antigens on human hepatocytes

We analyzed whether normal human hepatocytes, which normally do not display Class II major histocompatibility complex antigens, can be induced to express them in vitro, and whether this induction has an in vivo counterpart in chronic liver diseases. While both α‐ and γ‐interferon induced expression...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) Md.), 1988-05, Vol.8 (3), p.449-454
Main Authors: Franco, Alessandra, Barnaba, Vincenzo, Natali, Piergiorgio, Balsano, Clara, Musca, Antonino, Balsano, Francesco
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antibodies, Monoclonal
Biological and medical sciences
Cells, Cultured
Fluorescent Antibody Technique
Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens - analysis
HLA Antigens - analysis
HLA-D Antigens - analysis
Humans
Interferons - pharmacology
Liver - drug effects
Liver - immunology
Liver. Biliary tract. Portal circulation. Exocrine pancreas
Major Histocompatibility Complex - drug effects
Medical sciences
Other diseases. Semiology
Recombinant Proteins - pharmacology
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Summary:We analyzed whether normal human hepatocytes, which normally do not display Class II major histocompatibility complex antigens, can be induced to express them in vitro, and whether this induction has an in vivo counterpart in chronic liver diseases. While both α‐ and γ‐interferon induced expression of Class I antigens, only γ‐interferon induced expression of Class II antigens on hepatocytes in vitro. Recombinant interleukin 2 had no effect on major histocompatibility complex antigen expression. Both Class I and Class II antigens could be detected by indirect immunofluorescence on hepatocytes from patients with various forms of chronic liver disease, regardless of etiology. These findings suggest that γ‐interferon produced by T lymphocytes that infiltrate the liver during the course of chronic hepatitis induces Class II major histocompatibility complex antigen expression and may endow the hepatocytes with the capacity to perform accessory (antigen‐presenting) cell functions.
ISSN:0270-9139
1527-3350
DOI:10.1002/hep.1840080302