Response of MHC class-1 antigen on rat glioma cells to cytokines

Background: Enhanced MHC class-1 expression has potentially been correlated with the increased susceptibility of tumor cells to a T cell-mediated immu ne response. We examined the immunomodulatory effects of some cytokines on MHC class-1 expression in rat glioma cell lines Materials and Methods: Usin g three mt glioma cell lines (RG2, C6, 9L), the immunomodulatory effects of cytokines (rhIL-2, rmIL-4, rmGM-CSF, rrIFN-gamma) on the expression of MHC class-1 antigen were evaluated using immunohistochemical and flow cytometr ic analyses. Results: Varying baseline levels of MHC class-1 antigen were c onfirmed in each glioma cell line. Stimulation with rrIFN-gamma consistentl y increased the expression of MHC-1 antigen in all three of the rat glioma cell lines. On the other hand, MHC class-1 expression was nor affected by s timulation with rhIL-2, rmIL-4 or rmGM-CSF, even in combination. Conclusion s: rrIFN-gamma can upregulate MHC class-1 expression in rat glioma cells. O ur data suggest that rrIFN-gamma may be able to evert antitumor activity ag ainst gliomas in vivo.