HLA class I genes integrated into murine cells are inducible by interferon

Abstract In human cells treated with interferon, there is an increase in the amount of HLA‐A, B, C mRNA and, to a lower extent, membrane‐bound antigen. However, the mechanism of this mRNA enhancement is still unknown. Using mouse L cells transfected with a unique class I HLA gene, we were able to show that both the related HLA mRNA and protein are increased after murine but not human interferon treatment. Moreover, the discrepancy between interferon‐directed HLA mRNA and protein enhancement is also observed. The mouse transfected cells allowed us to study more precisely the origin of this discrepancy.