Increased expression of beta 2-microglobulin and histocompatibility antigens on human lymphoid cells induced by interferon

Protective immunity to liver-stage malaria

Despite decades of research and recent clinical trials, an efficacious long-lasting preventative vaccine for malaria remains elusive. This parasite infects mammals via mosquito bites, progressing through several stages including the relatively short asymptomatic liver stage followed by the more persistent cyclic blood stage, the latter of which is responsible for all disease symptoms. As the liver acts as a bottleneck to blood-stage infection, it represents a potential site for parasite and disease control. In this review, we discuss immunity to liver-stage malaria. It is hoped that the knowledge gained from animal models of malaria immunity will translate into a more powerful and effective vaccine to reduce this global health problem.

Induced and down-regulated proteins in the human cultured hairy cell leukemia line JOK-1 and the Burkitt's lymphoma cell line Daudi during incubation with interferon-alpha: a kinetic study

To elucidate the mechanism of action of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), the effect on cell proliferation and protein synthesis in the human hairy cell leukemia line JOK-1 and the Burkitt's lymphoma cell line Daudi were investigated. While Daudi cells were inhibited in proliferation and in total protein synthesis, no effect was seen on JOK-1 cells. However, high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed that four polypeptides were induced in JOK-1 cells after IFN-alpha incubation, while an additional 11 were induced and two down-regulated in Daudi cells. Kinetic studies revealed that the changes in JOK-1 cells were only temporary (within 8-16 h) and small to moderate in magnitude (less than four-fold). In Daudi cells, the changes for two of these polypeptides were early (within 2 h), for most of them prolonged (at least 24 h), and for three of them of great magnitude (between 6- and 30-fold). Quantitative analytical assessments indicated that four IFN-alpha-inducible polypeptides, present in low amounts of untreated cells, were highly expressed only in sensitive Daudi cells upon IFN-alpha treatment. This observation might indicate a role for these polypeptides in the inhibition of cell proliferation in Daudi cells. Furthermore, six of the other IFN-alpha-modulated polypeptides were synthesized constitutively in JOK-1 cells at levels comparable to those achieved in IFN-alpha-treated Daudi cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alpha interferon raises serum beta-2-microglobulin in patients with multiple myeloma

Serum beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m) levels were followed in eight patients with multiple myeloma who were treated with leucocyte alpha interferon (alpha IFN) 6 x 10(6) IU daily for 1-2 weeks before chemotherapy. Serial measurements of serum beta 2m were carried out regularly during the first week on alpha IFN. A rise in beta 2m was observed in all patients. with maximum increments ranging from 29% to 185% (mean 109%). The increase in beta 2m was most marked in patients with elevated pretreatment levels of serum beta 2m and creatinine. In six patients the peak value was reached between the third and the fifth day, after which the levels decreased. In two patients serum beta 2m remained elevated for 3 and 4 months, respectively. A marked increase in serum beta 2m can be induced by alpha IFN in myeloma, which should be taken into consideration when using beta 2m for the assessment of tumour response during alpha IFN therapy.

Interferons affect oxygen metabolism in human neutrophil granulocytes

Human polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMN) were incubated with recombinant interferons (IFNs) and tested for O2 consumption, hydrogen peroxide formation, and chemiluminescence. N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (f-MLP, a bacterial peptide analogue) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, a protein kinase C activator) were used as PMN stimuli. An increase in O2 consumption after f-MLP-stimulation was seen when PMN had been incubated 2-4 h with either 1000 IU/ml IFN-alpha or 100 IU/ml IFN-gamma, but this increase in O2 consumption was not observed with 1000 IU/ml IFN-beta. Likewise, 100 U/ml IFN-gamma enhanced f-MLP stimulated chemiluminescence, whereas IFN-alpha or IFN-beta (1000 U/ml) had no detectable effects. None of the interferons affected baseline or PMA-stimulated O2 consumption and chemiluminescence, nor did they influence the H2O2-dependent oxidation of intracellular dichlorofluorescein (DCFH) (baseline, f-MLP-stimulated or PMA-stimulated). Our data indicate that some--but not all--aspects of oxygen metabolism in PMN can be affected by IFN, and that there are differences between various subtypes of IFNs regarding their neutrophil priming potential.

Alteration of beta-2-microglobulin level in malignant lymphoproliferative diseases after a high dose of alpha-2-recombinant interferon

A group of 10 patients with malignant lymphoproliferative diseases resistant to any standard therapeutical modalities were treated with a high dose of alpha-2-recombinant interferon (alpha-2-rIF). Alpha-2-rIF was administered at a total dose of 120 x 10(6) IU in a continuous infusion during 48 h. Two cycles of alpha-2-rIF immunotherapy were employed with an interval of 1 month in between each. Serum and urinary beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) were examined prior to alpha-2-rIF application and on days 2, 4, 6 afterwards. Alpha-2-rIF treatment induced an increase in serum B2M as noted on day 2 followed by a decline to below the normal range. The initial increased value was significantly higher as compared to either the pretreatment value or the normal physiological range. The reduced B2M serum level was protracted and lasted until the second cycle of treatment. Similar but not so great changes in B2M serum values were noted during the second application of alpha-2-rIF. The changes of B2M level in the urine, although less convincing, mimic those observed in the serum. The present results confirmed the biological activity of alpha-2-rIF in malignant lymphoproliferative diseases.

Regulation of cell growth by interferon

Interferons can regulate growth and differentiation in a wide range of cell types. These mechanisms are currently being examined. Interferons inhibit the growth of tumour cells and are thus potential anti-cancer agents. They can also inhibit normal cell growth in vitro, and stimulate tumour cell growth in vitro. They may also be involved in some autoimmune diseases. This review examines the effect of interferons on cell proliferation, function, and growth, focusing primarily on in vitro cell systems.

[Follow-up in HIV-infected homosexual males with lymphadenopathy syndrome]

26 homosexual men with antibodies to HIV and generalized lymphadenopathy were examined between 1982 and 1984. Lymphadenopathy was accompanied by clinical symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea and weight loss (50%), moderate leukopenia (15%), lymphocytosis (50%), hypoergy to intraepidermal skin test with recall-antigens (12%), elevated serum levels of IgG (62%), IgA (23%), IgM (19%), beta-2-microglobulin (76%) and neopterin (69%), diminished absolute numbers of CD4-helper cells in the peripheral blood (24%) and an inversion of the ratio CD4-helper cells/CD8-suppressor cells both in blood (64%) and in lymph nodes (36%). Mitogen induced lymphocyte proliferation was significantly lower and the serum levels of gamma-interferon were significantly higher than in healthy controls. Lymph node biopsy revealed only nonspecific reactive hyperplasia with follicular hyperplasia in 54%, a mixed pattern of both follicular hyperplasia and follicular involution with paracortical expansion in 25% and follicular involution with paracortical expansion in 21%. 22 patients were followed longitudinally for a median time of 37 months (33-51 months). 10 patients (46%) developed full-blown AIDS within a median period of 35 months (24-46 months) after first examination and 43 months (36-77 months) after the anamnestic onset of the lymphadenopathy syndrome. The parameters distinguishing these patients from those without progression of disease were higher serum levels of gamma-interferon, higher relative and absolute numbers of CD8-suppressor cells in the peripheral blood, a reduced number of CD4-helper cells in the lymph nodes, and a lower CD4/CD8 ratio as well in the peripheral blood as in the lymph nodes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interferon-beta in patients with low-grade astrocytomas--a phase I study

In 3 patients with low-grade astrocytomas clinical pharmacology of interferon-beta (10(7) U/mg protein) was investigated. Interferon-beta with escalating dosage (2.3, 6.9, 23, 69 X 10(6) U/patient) was given to each patient in 4 infusions at weekly time intervals. In these patients dose-dependent plasma-levels of interferon-beta of up to 5800 IU/ml were achieved. Plasma concentrations showed a biphasic decline (T1 1/2:0.095-0.49 hrs and T2 1/2: 5-14.5 hrs). Side effects were: mild fatigue, myalgia, tachycardia, hypertension, and fever; the latter was well controlled by pretreatment application of paracetamol. Hematological changes included lymphopenia (2-6 hrs after infusion) and granulocytosis (3-6 hrs after infusion). Natural Killer cell activity was also monitored: 6 hours after infusion a drop of activity - not clearly dose dependent - was observed to a minimum of 1% pretreatment activity; 24 hrs after infusion activity increased up to a maximum of 400%. In this phase I study high biological activity of interferon-beta could be detected in plasma of astrocytoma patients - clinical tolerance was good and only mild toxicity was observed.

Recombinant DNA human interferon alpha 2 in advanced breast cancer: a phase 2 trial

Effectiveness of recombinant DNA (rDNA) human interferon alpha 2 (IFN alpha 2) in advanced breast cancer was evaluated in 14 patients who had received prior endocrine and/or cytotoxic therapy. After randomization, 7 patients received IFN alpha 2 two million IU m-2 day-1, s.c., 3 times a week (schedule 1) and 7 patients received 50 million IU m-2 day-1, i.v., for 5 consecutive days, every 3 weeks (schedule 2). Treatment duration was 4-21 weeks in schedule 1 and 6-24 weeks (2-8 courses) in schedule 2. Regressions were not achieved with either schedule. Treatment was associated with significant toxicity and was more severe in schedule 2. Dose limiting toxicities were leukopenia, elevation of liver enzymes, hyperglycemia and fatigue. Serum IFN activity was low or undetectable in patients on schedule 1 and high in patients on schedule 2. At 24 h, serum IFN activity was detectable in only 1/6 patients on schedule 1 as compared to 3/7 patients on schedule 2. IFN neutralizing factors were detected in the serum of only 1 patient prior to treatment but none were detected in any of the patients during or after discontinuation of treatment (4-24 weeks). IFN alpha 2 increased the expression of both HLA class 1 antigens and beta 2 microglobulin in peripheral blood lymphocytes in vivo. This effect was dose related.

Serum beta 2-microglobulin and C reactive protein concentrations in viral infections

Serum beta 2-microglobulin concentrations were assayed in a number of virus diseases. Infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus, and influenza A were associated with pronounced increases in serum beta 2-microglobulin concentration. Smaller increases, with values generally less than 4 mg/l, were noted in other viral infections. Apart from in acute influenza A, the C reactive protein and beta 2-microglobulin responses were not associated.

Low molecular weight plasma proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid of children with hematological malignancies

The concentration of beta-2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) and of post gamma globulin (P gamma G) was examined in serum and cerebrospinal fluid from children with acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Data were analysed in order to determine whether concentration of beta 2-m or P gamma G during remission would be of value in predicting relapse or eventual outcome. Mean serum concentration of beta 2-m was similar in good and poor prognosis patients with ALL in remission and was not significantly altered in CNS or marrow relapse. Mean CSF concentration in NHL was also similar in both prognostic groups, and in poor prognosis patients was not significantly altered in relapse. The same pattern was seen when P gamma G was measured in CSF (serum concentration of this protein being too low for accurate determination). High within patient variability of levels of beta 2-m and P gamma G appeared to relate to chemotherapy rather than the disease process. Concentration of P gamma G was persistently raised in three children with brain damage of differing etiologies. Levels of two other low molecular weight proteins, retinol binding protein and alpha 1-microglobulin, were also determined in order to establish that beta 2-m and P gamma G concentration was not influenced by alteration in permeability of the blood-brain barrier. The beta 2-m and P gamma G concentration, although higher than reported in healthy children [5] does not appear to be of value as a prognostic indicator in ALL and NHL in children.

Selective effects of alpha interferon on human T-lymphocyte subsets during mixed lymphocyte cultures

Mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) cultures of human lymphocyte subsets with or without the addition of physiological doses of human alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) were compared with respect to surface marker phenotypes and proliferative capacities of the responder cells. A selective depression on the T4 (inducer) T-cell subset could be demonstrated as a sequence of events: decreased fluorescence intensity of the T4 inducer cells (day 2 of culture), decreased percentages of T4 cells as demonstrated by cell cytofluorometry (days 3-6 of culture), and decreased 3H-thymidine incorporation of purified T4 cells and decreased numbers of T4 cells harvested from IFN MLRs (days 5-6 of culture). In contrast, it was shown that the T8 (cytotoxic/suppressor) subset in MLRs was either not affected or slightly stimulated by the addition of IFN. The depression of the T4 cells by IFN was accompanied by a decrease in the number of activated T cells expressing Ia antigens. On the other hand, IFN MLRs contained greater numbers of cells expressing the T10 differentiation antigen. In experiments with purified T-cell subsets the IFN effect was exerted directly on the T4 cells and not mediated by either T8 suppressor cells or monocytes. These findings are discussed in relation to other immunoregulatory effects of IFN-alpha.

13 native human interferon-alpha species assessed for immunoregulatory properties

Human leukocytes treated with Sendai virus yield interferon predominantly of the alpha-type (HuIFN-alpha). Successful attempts to purify these "native" species have been performed and the final analysis, which included an SDS-PAGE disclosed 13 stained and separated IFN-proteins in the molecular weight-range of 16.6-23.5 kD. These stained IFN proteins were eluted individually from the gel slices and assessed for antiviral activity in human, monkey, and bovine cells, as well as for immunomodulatory effects (in vitro) on human lymphocytes. Based on equal amounts of (human) IFN units, as determined by IFN titration on human cells, the "immunological efficacies" of the 13 different HuIFN-alpha species were determined in three different immunological systems with the following results: (1) Augmentation of the NK function was a property of all species, although the two lower species (16.6 kD, 16.9 kD) were clearly less efficient with "titers" in the NK system reduced 25-fold. (2) Enhanced expression of HLA on lymphocyte membranes was induced by all the HuIFN-alpha species to the same extent. (3) Addition of IFN to mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) augmented the CML outcome of the cultures. In this system all 13 species exerted their effect equally well; no clear inferiority or superiority of individual species were seen. It is concluded that the fractionation of the IFN-alpha into 13 species does not give rise to IFN species which are specific only for some functions and not for others. All species exert all functions, although the relatively "immunological" titers in the NK system varied within the species.

Interferon-induced changes in expression of antigens defined by monoclonal antibodies on malignant and nonmalignant mononuclear hematopoietic cells

The effect of alpha interferon (alpha IFN) on the expression of histocompatibility--as well as differentiation antigens on normal and malignant hematopoietic mononuclear cells--were investigated by cell cytofluorometry using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). An increase in the expression of HLA-antigens detected by beta 2-Microglobulin (beta 2-M) could be demonstrated for peripheral blood mononuclear cells, non-T cells, Null cells, activated T cells, fetal thymocytes, adherent cells, and on four malignant non-T lymphoblastoid cell lines. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the expression of antigens specific for B-lymphocytes (B1), T-lymphocytes (T3, T4, T6, T8, T11), NK-cells (901) and adherent cells (Mo1-4). Likewise, the expression of Ia-antigens remained unaltered on non-T cells, Null cells, and monocytes. The only other effect of IFN was an increase in the number as well as the amount of lymphocytes expressing the T10 antigen. It thus seems that the enhancing effect of IFN on resting cells of the immune system is highly selective. On the four lymphoblastoid cell lines, the expression of the common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen (CALLA) was significantly decreased concomitantly with the increase in MHC-antigens. On the other hand, the density of both a HLA-D related Ia antigen (I2) and a B-lymphocyte differentiation antigen (B1) remained unaltered following IFN treatment. The implications of these findings are discussed.