ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the expression of Human leucocyte antigen(HLA)-DP,-DQ,-DR and CD40 in human retinal pigment epithelial(RPE)cells,to determine their molecule expression in immune response process,and their abilities to stimulate T lymphocyte activation. Methods Human RPE cells were cultured with or without(-IFN respectively.Expression of HLA-DP,-DQ,-DR and CD40 was measured by immunohistochemical staining.Meanwhile,peripheral blood mononuelear cells(PBMC)were co-cultured with RPE cells in vitro,and then the expression of activated lymphocytes CD69 was measured by fluorescence activated eell sorter(FACS). Results Expression of HLA-DP,-DQ,-DR and CD40 antigen were enhanced by γ-interferon inducement.Increasing amount of CD69 positive Iymphocytes were found in the co-culture system of RPE cells and PBMC. Conclusion T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood were activated by human RPE cells which is antigen presenting cells with immunological characteristics potential.