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Inducible expression of H–2 and Ia antigens on brain cells

Nature volume 310, pages 688–691 (1984)Cite this article

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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Author notes

  1. Grace H. W. Wong

    Present address: Department of Microbiology, University of Southern California, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, 90033, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, 3050, Australia

    Grace H. W. Wong, Perry F. Bartlett, Ian Clark-Lewis, Frank Battye & John W. Schrader

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  1. Grace H. W. Wong
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  2. Perry F. Bartlett
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  3. Ian Clark-Lewis
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  4. Frank Battye
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  5. John W. Schrader
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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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