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Immune modulation of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 (CD54) and LFA-3 (CD58) in human hepatocytic cell lines

D Kvale1, P Brandtzaeg

  • 1Laboratory for Immunohistochemistry and Immunopathology (LIIPAT), National Hospital, Rikshospitalet, University of Oslo, Norway.

Journal of Hepatology
|March 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Hepatocytes express intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-3 (LFA-3), which are upregulated by inflammatory cytokines like IL-1 and TNF. This suggests hepatocytes share regulatory pathways for ICAM-1 with other cell types.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Leukocyte interactions are mediated by adhesion molecules like ICAM-1 and LFA-3.
  • Hepatocytes typically lack these molecules but can upregulate them during liver inflammation.
  • Understanding adhesion molecule regulation in hepatocytes is crucial for liver disease research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and regulation of ICAM-1 and LFA-3 in human hepatocytic cell lines (Hep-G2, SK-Hep-1).
  • To determine the effects of various cytokines on ICAM-1 and LFA-3 expression in vitro.
  • To compare hepatocyte adhesion molecule regulation with other cell types.

Main Methods:

  • Cultured Hep-G2 and SK-Hep-1 cells were treated with cytokines (IL-1, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-4).
  • Expression of ICAM-1 and LFA-3 was analyzed at the protein and mRNA levels.
  • Synergistic effects and the role of actinomycin D were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Both cell lines showed low constitutive expression of ICAM-1 and LFA-3.
  • Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) significantly upregulated ICAM-1, with synergistic effects observed.
  • Cytokine stimulation led to a 16-20 fold increase in ICAM-1 mRNA levels.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatocytes possess regulatory pathways for ICAM-1 similar to other cell types.
  • The low in vivo expression of ICAM-1 and LFA-3 in normal liver may be due to dominant negative regulatory signals.
  • These findings contribute to understanding immune cell interactions in the liver.

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