Astrocytes have been regarded as the matrix of the central nervous system and as nutritional, metabolic support to neurons. Recently, immunological roles of astrocytes have been reported, especially in multiple sclerosis and experimental allergic encephalitis. One observation shows that human glioma cells, which lack CD4 molecules, can be infected with human immunodeficiency virus in vitro. Another report described that human macrophages can be infected with human immunodeficiency virus through Fc gamma receptors expressed on their cell surfaces. These results prompted us to examine the functioning molecules, especially Fc gamma receptor for immunoglobulin G, expressed on the astroglial cell line. From erythrocyte-antibody rosette assays, redirected cytolysis and flow cytometric analysis, we have shown that human astrocytoma cell lines possess Fc gamma receptors on their cell surfaces. Furthermore, primary cultured murine astrocytes express Fc gamma II receptors, reacting with 2.4G2 monoclonal antibody. Surprisingly, murine astrocytes prepared from newborn BALB/c mice demonstrate killing activity against allogeneic T cell leukemia by antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. After treatment with the macrophage activating factor, interferon-gamma, expression of Fc gamma receptors and killer activity of astrocytes were augmented. From these results, it is suspected that the astroglial cell lines play an important immunological role in the brain.