Coagulation and the expression of cell-mediated immunity

Abstract

Induction of monocyte/macrophage procoagulants may occur as the result of activation of the cell-mediated immune (CMI) response. Macrophage procoagulant inducing factor (MPIF), a soluble product of stimulated TDTH lymphocytes, may act together with two monokines, interleukin 1 and tumour necrosis factor alpha, which induce thromboplastin on endothelial cells, to initiate the fibrin deposition which is a common feature of many diseases in which CMI plays a role. Murine MPIF is chemically distinct from a number of other well characterized lymphokines in that the two major activities, MPIF alpha and MPIF beta are heparin-binding proteins with high isoelectric points. Fractions highly enriched for MPIF induced interstitial fibrin deposition when injected intradermally. In addition, intense infiltration of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PWN) and mononuclear cells was seen 4-24 h following intradermal injection. In vitro experiments have confirmed that this lymphokine is a potent chemotactic agent for these cells. These results suggest that MPIF plays a central role in the expression of histopathological features of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. Monocyte and macrophage procoagulants induced by MPIF would contribute significantly to the activation of coagulation which not only results in fibrin deposition but also in the production of activated serine proteases and fibrinopeptides which may potentiate an inflammatory response.