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Induction of interferon by transformed cells: inhibition by retinoic acid

T K Hughes, J K Russell, J E Blalock

    Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
    |July 16, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Retinoic acid (RA) inhibits interferon production from mouse spleen cells exposed to transformed cells. This modulation of interferon inducers suggests a regulatory role for RA in immune responses.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Cell Biology
    • Molecular Biology

    Background:

    • Transformed cells can induce interferon production in immune cells.
    • Interferon alpha/beta (IFN-α/β) plays a crucial role in antiviral and antitumor immunity.
    • The mechanisms by which transformed cells interact with immune cells are not fully understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effect of retinoic acid (RA) on interferon induction by transformed cells.
    • To determine the dose and time dependency of RA's effect.
    • To elucidate the potential mechanism of RA's action on interferon inducers.

    Main Methods:

    • Co-incubation of nonsensitized mouse spleen cells with transformed mouse L-929 and human WISH cells.
    • Treatment with varying concentrations and durations of retinoic acid (RA).
    • Measurement of interferon alpha/beta (IFN-α/β) production.

    Main Results:

    • Retinoic acid (RA) significantly inhibited the induction of interferon alpha/beta (IFN-α/β) production.
    • The inhibitory effect of RA was dependent on both the concentration and duration of exposure.
    • RA acted at near physiological concentrations, suggesting relevance in vivo.

    Conclusions:

    • Retinoic acid (RA) modulates the interferon-inducing capacity of transformed cells.
    • The findings suggest RA interferes with a cell surface glycoprotein inducer associated with transformed cells.
    • RA may play a regulatory role in immune responses involving transformed cells and interferon production.

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