Gamma-interferon enhances expression of Class I MHC antigens in the weakly HLA+ human choriocarcinoma cell line BeWo, but does not induce MHC expression in the HLA- choriocarcinoma cell line Jar.

PHA-activated lymphocyte supernatants and high doses of affinity-purified human gamma-interferon enhance the expression of apparently normal Class I histocompatibility antigens in a malignant human trophoblast cell line that expresses low amounts of these antigens under normal culture conditions. Another human choriocarcinoma cell line, Jar, which is normally HLA-, did not respond to this treatment. This system provides a model in which to study further the regulation and effects of MHC antigen expression in cells of trophoblastic origin.