MODULATION OF I-A AND I-E EXPRESSION IN MACROPHAGES BY T-SUPPRESSOR CELLS INDUCED IN CRYPTOCOCCUS-NEOFORMANS INFECTED-RATS

When the I-A and I-E expressions were assessed in peritoneal macrophag es from Cryptococcus neoformans infected animals, a significant decrea se in the former was observed when compared with normal macrophages (p < 0.001) whereas a significant increase in the I-E expression was obs erved when compared with controls (p < 0.005). On the other hand, when studying the in vitro action of Ts cells on the macrophages, it was o bserved that the I-A expression was significantly reduced in macrophag es upon contact with Ts cells. Similar results were obtained when Ts c ells were replaced by a soluble factor. In contrast, the I-E expressio n was significantly increased by in vitro action of the Ts cell or its soluble factor. Indomethacin partially restored I-A and I-E expressio n in the macrophages to control levels.