[Up-regulation of CD86 and cytokine expression in acute leukemia cells by Ara-C].

AIM: To observe the effects of Ara-c on the expression of CD86 molecule on acute leukemia cells and explore the possible mechanisms. METHODS: The expression of CD86 on U937, HL-60 and NB4 cell lines treated with or without Ara-C wa assayed by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of CD86, NF-kappaB, IFN-gamma was examined by semiquantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: UP-regulation of CD86 was observed on those cells treated by Ara-c. The level of CD86 and NF-kappaB mRNA in Ara-c treated cells was significantly enhanced. IFN-gamma was detectable 72 hours after T cell activation. CONCLUSION: Ara-C can enhance CD86 and NF-kappaB expression on acute leukemia cells, which may play critical role in T cell activation and differentiation.