Interferon-β2(BSF-2) mRNA Is Expressed in Human Monocytes

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Abstract
We previously have reported the presence of interferon-β2 (IFN-β2) mRNA in PHA-stimulated human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), as well as in nonstimulated cells, although at a lower level. The IFN-β2 cloned from a leukocyte library appeared to be similar to that of the fibroblast IFN-β2 gene first described in fibroblasts. To assess the nature of the cell population in which the synthesis of IFN-β2 takes place, PBL were fractionated in adherent and nonadherent cells. The antiviral activity of the culture supernatants of adherent cells was characterized as the IFN-β type by neutralization with polyclonal antibodies raised against purified fibroblast IFN-β2. IFN-β2 mRNA was observed in enriched monocyte populations and accumulated very rapidly, peaking at 2.5 h. RNA extracted from these cultures encoded in a reticulocyte lysate a protein immunoprecipitated by the anti-IFN-β2 antiserum. In addition, IFN-β2 secreted in monocyte supernatants also was immunoprecipitated by the specific antiserum and was able to compete with the fibroblast IFN-β2, suggesting a strong similarity between the fibroblast and monocyte proteins.