Characterization of the interaction between recombinant human interferon-gamma and its receptor on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The interaction of human recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) with human polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) was investigated. Bolton-Hunter radioiodinated rIFN-gamma bound to PMN in a specific and saturable manner. Eleven hundred binding sites were observed with a Ka of 0.56 x 10(10) M-1. Binding to PMN was rapid with a K1 of 9 x 10(5) M-1 sec-1 at 4 degrees C. At 37 degrees C binding was complete within 6 min. About 50% of bound ligand was internalized within 30 min at 37 degrees C. The receptor demonstrated moderate lability at 37 degrees C in culture. After 1 h at 37 degrees C, PMN lost 80% of their 125I-rIFN-gamma binding sites. This loss was reversed in part by the presence of interleukin-1 in the culture, but not tumor necrosis factor. These studies provide a framework for further investigation into the signalling process of rIFN-gamma on PMN.