Regulation of major histocompatibility class I gene expression at the level of transcription in highly oncogenic adenovirus transformed rat cells.

Highly oncogenic adenovirus type 12 (Ad12) transformed rat cells contain decreased levels of cytoplasmic and nuclear major histocompatibility (MHC) class I transcripts, a process dependent on the presence of the Ad12 E1A oncogene. Here we show that the reduction in MHC expression is due at least in part to a decreased rate of initiation of transcription of MHC class I genes. Gamma-interferon treatment of Ad12 transformed cells causes an elevation in steady-state levels of cytoplasmic MHC class I transcripts.