IFN-beta1a modulates the expression of CTLA-4 and CD28 splice variants in human mononuclear cells: induction of soluble isoforms

GIORELLI M, LIVREA P, DEFAZIO G, RICCHIUTI F, PAGANO E, TROJANO M.

JOURNAL OF INTERFERON AND CYTOKINE RESEARCH

Año: 2001 vol. 21 p. 809 - 812

1079-9907

Recently, mRNA encoding soluble isoforms of CD28 and CTLA-4 have been described in human lymphocytes. We demonstrate that interferon-beta1a (IFN-beta1a) can enhance the expression of these transcripts in human mononuclear cells. Because soluble CD28 and CTLA-4 molecules might affect T cell activation, our findings suggest an additional means whereby IFN-beta therapy might exert its immunomodulatory effects in multiple sclerosis (MS).