Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Isolation Protocol of Mouse Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells and Their Subsequent In Vitro Activation with Tumor Immune Complexes
11:48

Isolation Protocol of Mouse Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells and Their Subsequent In Vitro Activation with Tumor Immune Complexes

Published on: May 31, 2018

Modulation of melanocyte intercellular adhesion molecule-1 by immune cytokines

J J Yohn1, M Critelli, M B Lyons

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|August 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Human melanocytes express intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which increases with stimulation by interferon gamma (IFN-G), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), or interleukin-1-alpha (IL-1 alpha). This finding aids understanding of immune-mediated melanocyte injury.

Area of Science:

  • Immunodermatology
  • Cellular Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) plays a crucial role in immune cell interactions.
  • Melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin, are involved in immune responses.
  • Understanding ICAM-1 expression on melanocytes is important for investigating immune-mediated skin conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of ICAM-1 on human melanocytes.
  • To determine the effect of key cytokines (IFN-G, TNF-alpha, IL-1 alpha) on melanocyte ICAM-1 expression.
  • To establish the dose-dependency and potential synergy of cytokine-induced ICAM-1 expression.

Main Methods:

  • Direct immunofluorescence and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) were used to quantify ICAM-1 expression.
  • Human melanocytes cultured in vitro were exposed to varying concentrations of IFN-G, TNF-alpha, and IL-1 alpha.
  • Dose-response relationships and additive effects of combined cytokines were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • In vitro cultured melanocytes expressed low basal levels of ICAM-1.
  • IFN-G, TNF-alpha, and IL-1 alpha significantly upregulated melanocyte ICAM-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner.
  • Melanocytes showed the highest sensitivity to TNF-alpha; combined cytokines resulted in additive, not synergistic, increases in ICAM-1.

Conclusions:

  • This study is the first to report ICAM-1 induction on melanocytes by TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha, and by physiologically relevant doses of IFN-G.
  • Cytokine-mediated ICAM-1 expression on melanocytes has implications for immune cell-target interactions.
  • Further research into melanocyte ICAM-1 may elucidate immune mechanisms underlying melanocyte injury.

More Related Videos

Dual Effects of Melanoma Cell-derived Factors on Bone Marrow Adipocytes Differentiation07:00

Dual Effects of Melanoma Cell-derived Factors on Bone Marrow Adipocytes Differentiation

Published on: August 23, 2018

Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine09:15

Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine

Published on: February 24, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Overview
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells01:01

Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions01:20

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily  involved in a...
Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules01:31

Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules

Immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules or Ig-CAMs are a versatile group of cell surface glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin protein superfamily. Ig-CAMs possess the characteristic immunoglobulin protein domains and other domains such as the fibronectin type III domain. The Ig domains are glycosylated to varying degrees in different Ig-CAMs.
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...