Keratinocyte membrane-associated epidermal cell-derived thymocyte-activating factor (ETAF)

Abstract

This study describes the association between secreted keratinocyte interleukin 1 (IL-1) and its presence on the keratinocyte cell surface. These properties were studied in normal and transformed human keratinocytes as well as in transformed murine keratinocytes. We will present evidence that the secretion of IL-1 by human and murine keratinocytes is associated with the presence of IL-1 on the keratinocyte membrane. In addition, although transformed murine keratinocytes secrete other cytokines, namely keratinocyte T-cell growth factor (KTGF) and IL-3, no KTGF or IL-3 activity can be demonstrated on the cell surface.