Transferrin synthesis by macrophages: up-regulation by gamma-interferon and effect on lymphocyte proliferation.

We have investigated transferrin synthesis by human and mouse lymphoid and myeloid cells. It was found that transferrin synthesis is a property of mouse but not human macrophages, whereas in man T lymphocytes synthesised transferrin. Synthesis by mouse macrophages showed a dose-dependent increase in response to gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN), but iron added as ferric nitrilotriacetate had no effect. Macrophage-derived transferrin was found to contain iron already bound to it and was able to support Con A-stimulated mouse lymphocyte proliferation.