Gamma interferon production by different populations of human splenic lymphocytes.

Journal of interferon research19832 citationsPMID: 6404997

Plain Language Summary

This study showed that treatment of human splenic lymphocyte cultures with Staphylococcal enterotoxin A produced gamma interferon (IFN-γ), with maximum production requiring T lymphocyte co-culture with macrophages for three days. The addition of thymosin alpha-1 at 10 μg/mL enhanced IFN-γ production, demonstrating the peptide's ability to boost this important antiviral and immunomodulatory cytokine in human immune cells.

Abstract

The treatment of cultures of human splenic lymphocytes with Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) resulted in the production of human gamma interferon (HuIFN-gamma). Separation of lymphocyte populations to give preparations enriched in T or B lymphocytes after removal of macrophages demonstrated that maximum IFN titers were detected when T lymphocytes were incubated with macrophages for a period of three days. The levels of IFN-gamma varied from donor to donor but the kinetics of induction were quite similar in all cases. Concentrations of 0.5-1.0 microgram/ml SEA gave optimal induction of IFN and the addition of thymosin alpha-1 at 10 micrograms/ml to the culture medium enhanced IFN-gamma production.

Authors

Weck, P K; May, L; Weck, C J