MODULATION OF EXPRESSION OF MHC ANTIGENS IN THE KIDNEYS OF MICE BY MURINE INTERFERON

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Abstract
We have analyzed the effects of interferon-α/β on MHC expression in the murine kidney, and compared these results with the MHC modulating effects of interferonα/β. Natural murine interferon-α/β was administered to B10.BR mice (H-2k), i.p., twice daily for 3 days. Expression of MHC antigens was assessed on day 4 by immunoperoxidase staining with biotinylated monoclonal antibodies to class I (KkDk) and class II (I-Ak) antigens. Interferon-α/β significantly decreased the number of class II-positive renal cortical dendritic cells from 62.0/mm to 12.6/mm (P<0.001). A similar but less dramatic decrease was seen in cardiac dendritic cells. Little or no change in class II expression was observed in proximal tubules or glomeruli. Interferon-α/β induced marked class I staining in the glomerulus, arterial endothelium, and Bowman's capsule. Proximal tubule cells also showed increased class I expression, but were less responsive than glomeruli. Thus, the effects of interferonα/β contrast with those of interferon-7, which increases class II expression on proximal tubules, induces relatively more class I expression in proximal tubules than glomeruli, and increases class II—positive dendritic cells. Furthermore, these results suggest that treatment with interferon-α/β may have a complex effect on the immune response to a renal allograft due to its differential effects on class I and class II cell surface expression.

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