Human natural interferon-alpha producing cells - PubMed (original) (raw)

Review

Human natural interferon-alpha producing cells

P Fitzgerald-Bocarsly. Pharmacol Ther. 1993 Oct.

Abstract

Interferons (IFNs) are critical components of the host immune system, serving as antiviral agents, immunomodulators and inhibitors of cell growth. Among peripheral blood mononuclear cells, the primary IFN-alpha-producing cell is a light density, HLA-DR+ cell negative for cell surface markers typical for T cells, B cells, monocytes, natural-killer or progenitor cells and has been tentatively termed the 'natural IFN-producing cell' or NIPC. Although present in very low frequency (approximately 1:1000 among peripheral blood mononuclear cells), the NIPC are very potent, with an individual cell able to produce 1-2 IU of IFN. In this review, the characteristics, phenotype, regulation and relationship of NIPC to human disease are discussed.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Abb J., Deinhardt F. Human IFN-alpha in homosexual men and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. J. Infect. Dis. 1984;150:158. - PubMed
    1. Abb J., Abb H., Deinhardt F. Phenotype of human α-interferon producing leucocytes identified by monoclonal antibodies. Clin. exp. Immun. 1983;52:179–184. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Abb J., Zachoval R., Eisenburg J., Paper G.R., Zachoval V., Deinhardt F. Production of interferon alpha and interferon gamma by peripheral blood leukocytes from patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. J. Med. Virol. 1985;16:171–176. - PubMed
    1. Aguet M., Dembic Z., Merlin G. Molecular cloning and expression of the human interferon-γ receptor. Cell. 1988;55:273–280. - PubMed
    1. Arvin A., Miller J. Acid labile α-interferon in sera and synovial fluids from patients with juvenile arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 1984;17:582–585. - PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

LinkOut - more resources