Characterization of non-T effector cell subpopulations involved in production of human alpha interferon

The phenotype of the human effector leukocyte subset involved in production of alpha interferon was examined using positive and negative selection techniques including murine monoclonal antibodies. The data suggest that the effector cell responsible for the elaboration of human alpha interferon is surface immunoglobulin positive, lacks either the E-rosette receptor or any monocyte determinants and is also negative for expression of the surface antigens identified by Leu-10 and Leu-11b monoclonal antibodies. Neither monocytes nor polymorphonuclear leukocytes were shown to play a role in regulation or production of alpha interferon. The data further imply, however, that the Leu-7+, large granular lymphocyte subpopulation may play a critical role in regulating human alpha interferon production by surface immunoglobulin positive B cell effectors.