Monoclonal Antibodies against Murine Interferon-γ and Their Use to Investigate the Role of Endogenous Interferon-γ in Vivo

Abstract

Interferons are endowed with multiple regulatory effects on the immune system: killer cell activity, macrophage activity, T- and B-cell proliferation and differentiation. Inhibition as well as stimulation of many immune functions by interferon have been described. Interferons in general, and interferon- γ (IFN- γ) in particular, may therefore play an important role in the pathogenesis of diseases involving immune reactions or tissue rejection. One approach to study the possible contribution of IFN- γ in these reactions is by systemic administration of interferon. It is known that local inflammatory reactions are exceptionally complex and involve the participation of multiple endogenous mediators such as prostaglandins, histamine-like substances as well as cytokines. Therefore an alternative approach to evaluate the role of a particular cytokine in the pathogenesis of inflammation is the blockage of the action of that cytokine by administration of monoclonal antibodies. In our laboratory monoclonal antibodies directed against mouse IFN- γ were developed.