Effects of recombinant human interferon gamma on hematopoietic progenitor cell growth.

Human bone marrow BFU-E, CFU-E, and CFU-GM were cultured in the presence of varying concentrations of recombinant human interferon gamma (rHuIFN-gamma). Concentration-dependent inhibition of both erythroid and myeloid precursors by rHuIFN-gamma was demonstrated. A more pronounced suppressive effect of rHuIFN-gamma was seen on the BFU-E than on the CFU-E, with CFU-GM most resistant. rHuIFN-gamma was also added at varying time points during the marrow cultures, demonstrating different time-dependent sensitivities to rHuIFN-gamma; CFU-E were no longer sensitive to rHuIFN-gamma by day 2 of culture, BFU-E by day 6, and CFU-GM by day 9, indicating a loss of sensitivity with maturation. Finally, exposure of marrow cells to rHuIFN-gamma for varying periods of time prior to initiation of hematopoietic cultures failed to inhibit erythroid colony growth in the absence of rHuIFN-gamma in the culture. These studies demonstrate a suppressive effect of rHuIFN-gamma on human erythroid and myeloid progenitor cell growth. This effect appears to be most pronounced on the more primitive stages of committed progenitor cell development.