Modulation of bullous pemphigoid antigen gene expression by gamma-interferon in cultured keratinocytes.

Sugita, Y; Nagatani, T; Ikezawa, Z; Nomura, K; Watanabe, Y; Uitto, J; Nakajima, H · Br J Dermatol · 1992

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is characterized by the production of autoantibodies against BP antigens. gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN), a T-cell lymphokine, is known to enhance the expression of several cell-surface proteins. In this study, keratinocytes were cultured in the presence of gamma-IFN, the expression of BP antigen protein was examined by flow cytometry and BP antigen messenger RNA (mRNA) (encoding 230-kDa protein) was quantified by slot-blot hybridization. The results indicated that BP antigen gene expression by keratinocytes was upregulated by gamma-IFN. This enhancement of gene expression was detected at both the protein and mRNA level, suggesting pretranslational regulation. These results imply the involvement of not only humoral immunity but also cell-mediated immunity in the development of BP.

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