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.