Interferon-induced changes in the monocyte membrane: inhibition by retinol and retinoic acid

The effects of human interferon-beta on human peripheral blood monocyte function were examined in vitro. Interferon-beta was shown to increase substantially the expression of both Fc gamma receptors and HLA-DR antigens defined by monoclonal antibody. Retinol and retinoic acid were found to be antagonistic to these effects of interferon and physiological concentrations were sufficient to inhibit changes in the monocyte membrane induced by relatively high concentrations of interferon.