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Interferon-gamma treatment increases HLA-DR expression on monocytes in severely injured patients
M J Hershman1, S H Appel, S R Wellhausen
1Institute of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY.
Abstract:
Traumatic injury and sepsis reduce HLA-DR expression on monocytes. This study assessed the effect of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on the expression of HLA-DR on monocytes taken from severely injured patients. The mononuclear layer of each blood sample was incubated with either 500 units IFN-gamma or control media. The mean baseline HLA-DR expression of the trauma group (n = 11) was 32%, significantly less than the mean HLA-DR expression of 91% for the control group (n = 10). In the trauma group, HLA-DR expression after culturing with IFN-gamma was 81%, significantly greater than both the mean baseline HLA-DR expression (32%). In the control group, HLA-DR expression after culturing with IFN-gamma was 94%, similar to the mean baseline HLA-DR expression of 91%. These data confirm that HLA-DR on monocytes of severely injured patients is markedly reduced and show that it can be increased significantly in vitro by IFN-gamma.
Insights
Severe injury significantly reduces monocyte HLA-DR expression. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) treatment in vitro effectively restored Human Leukocyte Antigen-DR (HLA-DR) levels in monocytes from trauma patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Trauma Research
Background:
- Traumatic injury and sepsis are known to decrease Human Leukocyte Antigen-DR (HLA-DR) expression on monocytes.
- Reduced HLA-DR expression can impair immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on monocyte HLA-DR expression in severely injured patients.
- To determine if IFN-gamma can restore reduced HLA-DR levels.
Main Methods:
- Mononuclear cells were isolated from blood samples of severely injured patients (n=11) and healthy controls (n=10).
- Cells were cultured with either 500 units of IFN-gamma or control media.
- HLA-DR expression on monocytes was quantified.
Main Results:
- Baseline HLA-DR expression was significantly lower in the trauma group (32%) compared to the control group (91%).
- In vitro culture with IFN-gamma significantly increased HLA-DR expression in the trauma group to 81%.
- IFN-gamma did not significantly alter HLA-DR expression in the control group (94% vs 91% baseline).
Conclusions:
- Monocyte HLA-DR expression is markedly reduced following severe traumatic injury.
- Interferon-gamma demonstrates potential to significantly restore HLA-DR expression on monocytes from severely injured patients in vitro.