Effect of alpha-fetoprotein on arachidonic acid metabolism in a human T-cell line

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), an onco-fetal protein which binds specifically polyunsaturated fatty acids, has been shown to modulate arachidonic acid metabolism in a human T-cell line. In Jurkat lymphoma cells, AFP decreases the synthesis of prostaglandins and increases the release of arachidonic acid and leukotrienes. These effects of AFP were observed both in normal and in activated cells. These results suggest that the T lymphocyte directly participates to the immunosuppressive action of AFP through the synthesis of leukotrienes.