Abstract
Cells in the brain express unusually low levels of antigens encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)1,2. This is somewhat surprising as class I (H−2) and class II (Ia) MHC antigens have critical roles in immune responses3. The activation of T lymphocytes is associated with the enhanced expression of these antigens and this effect is mediated by a specific T-cell lymphokine, γ-interferon (IFN-γ)4–17. Here we show that IFN-γ induces a dramatic increase in the expression of H–2 antigens on the cells of the brain. After exposure to IFN-γ in vitro, all surviving cells, including most astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia and at least some neurones, express H–2 antigens. Direct injection of IFN-γ into the brains of mice indicated that H–2 antigens were also induced in vivo. Furthermore, IFN-γ induced Ia antigens on a subpopulation of astrocytes. The induction of H–2 antigens by IFN-γ may render brain cells competent to initiate and participate in immune reactions and may therefore contribute to both immunoprotective and immunopathological responses in the brain.
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Wong, G., Bartlett, P., Clark-Lewis, I. et al. Inducible expression of H–2 and Ia antigens on brain cells. Nature 310, 688–691 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1038/310688a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/310688a0