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PubMed · 8127923

Human natural interferon-alpha producing cells.

P Fitzgerald-Bocarsly
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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.

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Gene ExpressionHumansInterferon-alphaMonocytesJournal ArticleResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Review

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BibTeXRIS

P Fitzgerald-Bocarsly. 1993. Human natural interferon-alpha producing cells.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0163-7258(93)90021-5

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