Monocytic differentiation of a myelomonocytic leukemic cell (WEHI 3B JCS) is induced by tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).

We have isolated a subclone (JCS) of the WEHI 3B myelomonocytic leukemia, which acquires the characteristics of mature macrophage lineage cells in the presence of PMA or noncytotoxic concentrations of TNF-alpha (600-1200 U/ml). JCS cells were compared with D+ and D- subclones of WEHI 3B. Unlike D+ cells, JCS cells did not produce differentiated granulocyte-macrophage colonies in the presence of postendotoxin serum or recombinant G-CSF. Stimulation with PMA or TNF-alpha reduced proliferation of JCS cells. TNF-alpha decreased the level of cell surface J11D antigen with concurrent increased expression of Mac-1 and FcR antigens and phagocytic activity. These TNF-alpha-mediated effects were enhanced by addition of IFN-gamma to the cultures. Furthermore, differentiation-inducing activity of PMA could be prevented using neutralizing anti-TNF-alpha antibodies. The results indicate that exogenous TNF-alpha can act as a differentiative agent for JCS cells and that endogenous TNF-alpha is the active substance when PMA is used to stimulate macrophage differentiation of JCS cells.