Expression of OKM5 antigen on human keratinocytes in vitro upon stimulation with gamma-interferon.

Using murine monoclonal antibodies against human OKM5, OKM1 and HLA-DR antigens antigenic characteristics of freshly separated human epidermal cells (EC) and those of EC cultured in the presence of Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were studied. After 8-12 days of culture, primarily OKM1- OKM5- HLA-DR- keratinocytes displayed OKM5 and HLA-DR antigens when exposed to IFN-gamma. Our data support the concept, that human keratinocytes may possess accessory cell functions.