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Stimulated human alveolar macrophages secrete interferon
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|May 1, 1985
Summary
Human alveolar macrophages can produce alpha- and gamma-interferon when stimulated. This finding is crucial for understanding lung antiviral defenses and immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Alveolar macrophages are key immune cells in the lungs.
- Their capacity to produce interferon is not fully understood.
- Interferons play a vital role in antiviral immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if human alveolar macrophages can be activated to produce interferon.
- To characterize the types of interferon produced and factors influencing production.
Main Methods:
- Alveolar macrophages isolated via bronchoalveolar lavage.
- Cells stimulated with mitogens (e.g., concanavalin A) or viral inducers.
- Interferon quantified using plaque reduction assays.
- Comparison with peripheral blood lymphocytes and effect of smoking assessed.
Main Results:
- Macrophages did not spontaneously produce interferon but released it upon stimulation (32-962 units/ml).
- Concanavalin A yielded the highest interferon titers (mean 335 units/ml).
- Both alpha-interferon (with viral stimulation) and gamma-interferon (with mitogen stimulation) were detected.
Conclusions:
- Stimulated human alveolar macrophages secrete both alpha- and gamma-interferon.
- This production capability is significant for lung antiviral defenses.
- Alveolar macrophage interferon production may modulate pulmonary inflammation and immunity.