Interferon-γ enhances the expression of the major histocompatibility class I antigens on mouse pancreatic beta cells

Abstract

Cell surface antigens of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play a crucial role in the initiation of immune reactions. To investigate whether the expression of MHC antigens on pancreatic islet cells could be altered, we have cultured mouse islets in the presence of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and subsequently examined the levels of MHC antigen by indirect immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies. IFN-γ induced a 10-fold increase in H-2K antigen expression on islet cells, the percentage of cells with detectable H-2K expression increasing from 24% to 98%. The effects of IFN-γ on H-2D and Ia antigen expression were less marked, with only a twofold increase in mean fluorescence levels, th..