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Interferon-α Enhances Antitumor Effect of Chemotherapy in an Orthotopic Mouse Model for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. J Immunother 2008; 31:599-606. [DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e3181818769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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102
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Shah N, Pang B, Yeoh KG, Thorn S, Chen CS, Lilly MB, Salto-Tellez M. Potential roles for the PIM1 kinase in human cancer - a molecular and therapeutic appraisal. Eur J Cancer 2008; 44:2144-51. [PMID: 18715779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2008.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2008] [Revised: 06/17/2008] [Accepted: 06/30/2008] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In vitro experiments have shown the PIM1 kinase to have diverse biological roles in cell survival, proliferation and differentiation. In humans, PIM1 is often expressed in both normal and transformed cells. The PIM1 kinase is a true oncogene implicated in early transformation and tumour progression in haematopoietic malignancies and prostate carcinomas. It is associated with aggressive subgroups of lymphoma, is a marker of poor prognosis in prostate carcinomas and has been suggested to have a role in hormone insensitivity of prostate malignancies. PIM1 has a possible role in other carcinomas with 6p21 genomic alterations. On one hand, PIM1 (due to its role in malignancy) appears to be a promising target for drug development programmes but, on the other hand, the complexity of its molecular structure has posed challenges in the development of PIM1 inhibitors. In this review we discuss PIM1 expression in human tissues (including some new data from our laboratory), its role in human malignancies, as well as the possibilities and challenges in the development of target therapy for PIM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh Shah
- Oncology Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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103
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Rathinam C, Thien CBF, Langdon WY, Gu H, Flavell RA. The E3 ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl restricts development and functions of hematopoietic stem cells. Genes Dev 2008; 22:992-7. [PMID: 18413713 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1651408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are multipotent progenitors that give rise to all types of blood cells. In the present study, we document that HSC development and functions are negatively regulated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl (casitas B-cell lymphoma). HSCs of c-Cbl(-/-) mice exhibit augmented pool size, hyperproliferation, greater competence, and enhanced long-term repopulating capacity. Our mechanistic studies identified that c-Cbl(-/-) HSCs are hyperresponsive to thrombopoietin (TPO) and display elevated levels of STAT5 phosphorylation, thus leading to increased c-Myc expression. In essence, our data unequivocally identify c-Cbl as a novel negative regulator of developmental and functional properties of HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chozhavendan Rathinam
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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104
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Hubbard K, Catalano J, Puri RK, Gnatt A. Knockdown of TFIIS by RNA silencing inhibits cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis. BMC Cancer 2008; 8:133. [PMID: 18474089 PMCID: PMC2390572 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-8-133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2007] [Accepted: 05/12/2008] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A common element among cancer cells is the presence of improperly controlled transcription. In these cells, the degree of specific activation of some genes is abnormal, and altering the aberrant transcription may therefore directly target cancer. TFIIS is a transcription elongation factor, which directly binds the transcription motor, RNA Polymerase II and allows it to read through various transcription arrest sites. We report on RNA interference of TFIIS, a transcription elongation factor, and its affect on proliferation of cancer cells in culture. Methods RNA interference was performed by transfecting siRNA to specifically knock down TFIIS expression in MCF7, MCF10A, PL45 and A549 cells. Levels of TFIIS expression were determined by the Quantigene method, and relative protein levels of TFIIS, c-myc and p53 were determined by C-ELISA. Induction of apoptosis was determined by an enzymatic Caspase 3/7 assay, as well as a non-enzymatic assay detecting cytoplasmic mono- and oligonucleosomes. A gene array analysis was conducted for effects of TFIIS siRNA on MCF7 and MCF10A cell lines. Results Knockdown of TFIIS reduced cancer cell proliferation in breast, lung and pancreatic cancer cell lines. More specifically, TFIIS knockdown in the MCF7 breast cancer cell line induced cancer cell death and increased c-myc and p53 expression whereas TFIIS knockdown in the non-cancerous breast cell line MCF10A was less affected. Differential effects of TFIIS knockdown in MCF7 and MCF10A cells included the estrogenic, c-myc and p53 pathways, as observed by C-ELISA and gene array, and were likely involved in MCF7 cell-death. Conclusion Although transcription is a fundamental process, targeting select core transcription factors may provide for a new and potent avenue for cancer therapeutics. In the present study, knockdown of TFIIS inhibited cancer cell proliferation, suggesting that TFIIS could be studied as a potential cancer target within the transcription machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Hubbard
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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105
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Zemskova M, Sahakian E, Bashkirova S, Lilly M. The PIM1 kinase is a critical component of a survival pathway activated by docetaxel and promotes survival of docetaxel-treated prostate cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:20635-44. [PMID: 18426800 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m709479200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A defining characteristic of solid tumors is the capacity to divide aggressively and disseminate under conditions of nutrient deprivation, limited oxygen availability, and exposure to cytotoxic drugs or radiation. Survival pathways are activated within tumor cells to cope with these ambient stresses. We here describe a survival pathway activated by the anti-cancer drug docetaxel in prostate cancer cells. Docetaxel activates STAT3 phosphorylation and transcriptional activity, which in turns induces expression of the PIM1 gene, encoding a serine-threonine kinase activated by many cellular stresses. Expression of PIM1 improves survival of docetaxel-treated prostate cancer cells, and PIM1 knockdown or expression of a dominant-negative PIM1 protein sensitize cells to the cytotoxic effects of docetaxel. PIM1 in turn mediates docetaxel-induced activation of NFkappaB transcriptional activity, and PIM1 depends in part on RELA/p65 proteins for its prosurvival effects. The PIM1 kinase plays a critical role in this STAT3 --> PIM1 --> NFkappaB stress response pathway and serves as a target for intervention to enhance the therapeutic effects of cytotoxic drugs such as docetaxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Zemskova
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Microbiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
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106
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Ruby CE, Montler R, Zheng R, Shu S, Weinberg AD. IL-12 is required for anti-OX40-mediated CD4 T cell survival. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 180:2140-8. [PMID: 18250420 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.180.4.2140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Engagement of OX40 greatly improves CD4 T cell function and survival. Previously, we showed that both OX40 engagement and CTLA-4 blockade led to enhanced CD4 T cell expansion, but only OX40 signaling increased survival. To identify pathways associated with OX40-mediated survival, the gene expression of Ag-activated CD4 T cells isolated from mice treated with anti-OX40 and -CTLA-4 was compared. This comparison revealed a potential role for IL-12 through increased expression of the IL-12R-signaling subunit (IL-12Rbeta2) on T cells activated 3 days previously with Ag and anti-OX40. The temporal expression of IL-12Rbeta2 on OX40-stimulated CD4 T cells was tightly regulated and peaked approximately 4-6 days after initial activation/expansion, but before the beginning of T cell contraction. IL-12 signaling, during this window of IL-12Rbeta2 expression, was required for enhanced T cell survival and survival was associated with STAT4-specific signaling. The findings from these observations were exploited in several different mouse tumor models where we found that the combination of anti-OX40 and IL-12 showed synergistic therapeutic efficacy. These results may lead to the elucidation of the molecular pathways involved with CD4 T cell survival that contribute to improved memory, and understanding of these pathways could lead to greater efficacy of immune stimulatory Abs in tumor-bearing individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl E Ruby
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, OR 97213, USA
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107
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Marzec M, Halasa K, Kasprzycka M, Wysocka M, Liu X, Tobias JW, Baldwin D, Zhang Q, Odum N, Rook AH, Wasik MA. Differential effects of interleukin-2 and interleukin-15 versus interleukin-21 on CD4+ cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cells. Cancer Res 2008; 68:1083-91. [PMID: 18281483 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-2403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we compared the effects of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-15, and IL-21 on gene expression, activation of cell signaling pathways, and functional properties of cells derived from CD4+ cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Whereas both IL-2 and IL-15 modulated, in a CTCL cell line, the expression of >1,000 gene transcripts by at least 2-fold, IL-21 up-regulated <40 genes. All three cytokines induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Jak1 and Jak3 in CTCL cell lines and native leukemic (Sezary) cells. However, only IL-2 and IL-15 strongly activated signal transducers and activators of transcription 5, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt, and mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase/ERK signaling pathways in the cell lines and mitogen-primed native cells. In contrast, IL-21 selectively activated signal transducers and activators of transcription 3. Whereas all three cytokines protected CTCL cells from apoptosis, only IL-2 and IL-15 promoted their proliferation. The effects of the cytokine stimulation were Jak3 kinase- and Jak1 kinase- dependent. These findings document the vastly different effect of IL-2 and IL-15 versus IL-21 on CTCL cells. They also suggest two novel therapeutic approaches to CTCL and, possibly, other CD4+ T-cell lymphomas: inhibition of the Jak1/Jak3 kinase complex and, given the known strong immunostimulatory properties of IL-21 on CD8+ T, natural killer, and B cells, application of this cytokine to boost an immune response against malignant CD4+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Marzec
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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108
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Sedaghat AR, German J, Teslovich TM, Cofrancesco J, Jie CC, Talbot CC, Siliciano RF. Chronic CD4+ T-cell activation and depletion in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection: type I interferon-mediated disruption of T-cell dynamics. J Virol 2008; 82:1870-83. [PMID: 18077723 PMCID: PMC2258719 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02228-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2007] [Accepted: 11/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of CD4(+) T-cell depletion during chronic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection remains unknown. Many studies suggest a significant role for chronic CD4(+) T-cell activation. We assumed that the pathogenic process of excessive CD4(+) T-cell activation would be reflected in the transcriptional profiles of activated CD4(+) T cells. Here we demonstrate that the transcriptional programs of in vivo-activated CD4(+) T cells from untreated HIV-positive (HIV(+)) individuals are clearly different from those of activated CD4(+) T cells from HIV-negative (HIV(-)) individuals. We observed a dramatic up-regulation of cell cycle-associated and interferon-stimulated transcripts in activated CD4(+) T cells of untreated HIV(+) individuals. Furthermore, we find an enrichment of proliferative and type I interferon-responsive transcription factor binding sites in the promoters of genes that are differentially expressed in activated CD4(+) T cells of untreated HIV(+) individuals compared to those of HIV(-) individuals. We confirm these findings by examination of in vivo-activated CD4(+) T cells. Taken together, these results suggest that activated CD4(+) T cells from untreated HIV(+) individuals are in a hyperproliferative state that is modulated by type I interferons. From these results, we propose a new model for CD4(+) T-cell depletion during chronic HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad R Sedaghat
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, 879 BRB, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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109
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Bautista D, Bermúdez-Silva FJ, Lasarte JJ, Rodriguez-Fonseca F, Baixeras E. Liver expression of proteins controlling interferon-mediated signalling as predictive factors in the response to therapy in patients with hepatitis C virus infection. J Pathol 2007; 213:347-55. [PMID: 17940994 DOI: 10.1002/path.2214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Combination therapy with interferon-alpha (IFNalpha) and ribavirin is the current treatment of choice for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, an important number of patients fail to respond to this therapeutic strategy. Factors determining IFN responsiveness are not well understood, and assessment of biomarkers that predict the response to IFN therapy in HCV patients is necessary. Several studies show that particular HCV proteins are able to block IFN function through interaction with important IFN-signal mediators, such as signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). We performed immunostaining analysis of STATs in liver tissue from IFN-responder vs. non-responder HCV patients in order to compare the expression profile of these proteins between both groups. Tissue arrays of liver biopsies were used to study the expression of STAT1, STAT2, STAT5 and PIAS1 (protein inhibitor of activated STAT1). Robust and higher expression levels of STAT1, STAT2 and STAT5 in liver tissue from HCV patients were found when compared with samples from healthy donors. However, no significant differences were observed between IFN-responder and -non-responder groups, but rather increasing levels of STAT1, STAT2 and STAT5 paralleled the degree of liver injury. Importantly, PIAS1 expression in the nucleus of most hepatocytes in HCV tissue biopsy sections, particularly of non-responder HCV patients, strongly indicated a regulatory effect on STAT1-DNA binding, likely affecting the IFN late signalling. In conclusion, our evidence indicates that intense PIAS1 nuclear staining, widely distributed in hepatocytes of infected livers, could be a good predictive factor of a defective response to IFN treatment, and a biomarker that is easily detectable by immunostaining during standard histopathological liver biopsy analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bautista
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Regional Universitario Carlos Haya, Málaga, Spain
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110
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Sun SL, Li TJ, Yang PY, Qiu Y, Rui YC. Modulation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) factor pathways during focal cerebral ischaemia: a gene expression array study in rat hippocampus after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2007; 34:1097-101. [PMID: 17880360 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2007.04679.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
1. Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) factors are a family of transcription factors that mediate intracellular signalling initiated at cytokine cell surface receptors and transmitted to the nucleus. In the present study, we determined the global changes in STAT gene expression in the hippocampus of rats after focal cerebral ischaemia and reperfusion using microarray analysis. 2. The present study used middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) to induce ischaemia and reperfusion in Sprague-Dawley rats. Using superarray Q series Janus tyrosine kinases (Jak)/STAT signalling pathway gene array, a total of 96 genes was screened in adult male rat hippocampus after transient focal cerebral ischaemia. 3. The results showed that 23 genes were upregulated at least twofold by ischaemia treatment and that 12 genes were downregulated at least threefold by ischaemia treatment compared with controls. 4. After confirmation by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, the data suggest that the gene expression of STAT2, 5a, 5b, 6 and suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) 4 was increased by ischaemia, probably due to a compensatory response of the brain, which may play a protective role in damaged brain tissue. 5. The results of the present study provide evidence on global changes in STAT gene expression in the hippocampus of rats after focal cerebral ischaemia and reperfusion, in which STAT2, 5a, 5b, 6 and SOCS4 were confirmed to be significantly modulated during focal cerebral ischaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Li Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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111
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Konjević G, Jović V, Vuletić A, Radulović S, Jelić S, Spuzić I. CD69 on CD56+ NK cells and response to chemoimmunotherapy in metastatic melanoma. Eur J Clin Invest 2007; 37:887-96. [PMID: 17973783 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2007.01873.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The few chemoimmunotherapy trials that together with dacarbazine (DTIC) and interferon-alpha 2a (IFNalpha), include retinoic acid (RA), did not include detailed immunological evaluation of functional and phenotypic natural killer (NK) cell characteristics, and have shown contradictory clinical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS Malignant melanoma (MM) patients undergoing phase II-randomized chemoimmunotherapy trials were treated with DTIC, IFNalpha (Hoffmann-La Roche) (group A, n = 31), and with DTIC, IFNalpha and 13-cis-RA (Isotretinoin, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland) (group B, n = 29). Patients and 42 healthy controls were evaluated by FACS flow analyses for CD3/CD56/CD69 positive cells, NK cytotoxicity in fresh peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and for interferon regulatory factor-1 mRNA expression by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in treated PBL. RESULTS The addition of RA to a DTIC-IFN regime did not bring any therapeutical benefit in terms of response or survival. Immunological follow-up on days 1, 6 and 27 of each therapy cycle shows a significant increase in NK cell activity in both groups, only on day 6 of the first cycle, while CD69+CD56+ expression increased significantly on day 6 of each therapy cycle, in both groups. Evaluation of the dynamics of expression of IRF-1 of in vitro treated PBL, shows its strong and prompt up-regulation by IFNalpha and synergistic effect of IFNalpha and RA combination. CONCLUSION The dynamics of the increase in CD69 early activation antigen expression on CD56+ NK cells is systematic and serial with the increase being significantly higher on day six of the first cycle in group B patients with clinical response, compared to those without, indicating possible predictive value of CD69 expression for clinical response to chemoimmunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Konjević
- Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro.
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112
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Stem cell properties and the side population cells as a target for interferon-alpha in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 364:808-14. [PMID: 17977513 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.10.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2007] [Accepted: 10/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The cancer stem cell theory suggests that chemoresistance and recurrence of tumors are often due to the similarity of stem cell properties between normal and cancer cells. Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) has poor prognosis, suggesting that ATLL cells possess common stem cell properties. We analyzed side population (SP), a characteristic stem cell phenotype, and CD markers in ATLL cell lines. We found that several lines contained SP with expressions of some hematopoietic stem cell markers. On the other hand, treatment with interferon (IFN)-alpha is sometimes effective in ATLL, particularly combined with other drugs. We examined its effect on ATLL cells and found that IFN-alpha significantly reduced the SP proportion. Moreover, CD25-positive cells and phosphorylation of STAT1/5 and ERK were upregulated during this process. These data suggest that their stem cell properties render ATLL cells therapy-resistant, and IFN-alpha exerts its clinical effect through a reduction of the SP cell population.
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113
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Bracci L, Proietti E, Belardelli F. IFN- and Novel Strategies of Combination Therapy for Cancer. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1112:256-68. [PMID: 17567945 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1415.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Interferons-alpha (IFN-alpha) are a group of cytokines belonging to type I IFN family, which exert multiple biological effects, including antiviral and antitumor activities in patients with defined types of cancer and viral diseases. Early studies in mouse tumor models have shown the importance of host immune mechanisms in the generation of a long-lasting antitumor response after type I IFN treatment. Recent studies have revealed new immunomodulatory effects of IFN-alpha, including activities on T cells and dendritic cells (DCs), which may explain the immune correlates frequently observed in some categories of cancer patients responding to IFN-alpha therapy. Of note, new knowledge has recently been generated on the mechanisms of action of some chemotherapeutic agents, such as cyclophosphamide (CTX), on cells of the immune system, whose effects can now be exploited for the design of more effective combination therapies. On the whole, the new strategies based on IFN-alpha include the in vivo use of these cytokines as immune adjuvants of cancer vaccines, their in vitro use to generate highly active DC-based vaccines, and the combination of certain chemotherapy regimens with IFN-alpha-adjuvanted cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bracci
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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114
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Ferrantini M, Capone I, Belardelli F. Interferon-alpha and cancer: mechanisms of action and new perspectives of clinical use. Biochimie 2007; 89:884-93. [PMID: 17532550 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2007.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2007] [Accepted: 04/12/2007] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Interferons-alpha (IFN-alpha) are pleiotropic cytokines belonging to type I IFNs, extensively used in the treatment of patients with some types of cancer and viral disease. IFN-alpha can affect tumor cell functions by multiple mechanisms. In addition, these cytokines can promote the differentiation and activity of host immune cells. Early studies in mouse tumor models showed the importance of host immune mechanisms in the generation of a long-lasting antitumor response after treatment of the animals with IFN-alpha/beta. Subsequently, an ensemble of studies based on the use of genetically modified tumor cells expressing specific IFN molecules provided important information on the host-mediated antitumor mechanisms induced by the local production of IFN-alpha. Of note, several studies have then underscored new immunomodulatory effects of IFN-alpha, including activities on T cells and dendritic cells, which may lead to IFN-induced antitumor immunity. In addition, recent reports on new immune correlates in cancer patients responding to IFN-alpha represent additional evidence on the importance of the interactions of IFN-alpha with the immune system for the generation of a durable antitumor response. On the whole, this knowledge suggests the advantage of using these cytokines as adjuvants of cancer vaccines and for the in vitro generation of highly active dendritic cells to be utilized for therapeutic vaccination of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ferrantini
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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115
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Popivanova BK, Li YY, Zheng H, Omura K, Fujii C, Tsuneyama K, Mukaida N. Proto-oncogene, Pim-3 with serine/threonine kinase activity, is aberrantly expressed in human colon cancer cells and can prevent Bad-mediated apoptosis. Cancer Sci 2007; 98:321-8. [PMID: 17270021 PMCID: PMC11158379 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2007.00390.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously observed that Pim-3 with serine/threonine kinase activity, was aberrantly expressed in malignant lesions of endoderm-derived organs, liver and pancreas. Because Pim-3 protein was not detected in normal colon mucosal tissues, we evaluated Pim-3 expression in malignant lesions of human colon, another endoderm-derived organ. Pim-3 was detected immunohistochemically in well-differentiated (43/68 cases) and moderately differentiated (23/41 cases) but not poorly differentiated colon adenocarcinomas (0/5 cases). Moreover, Pim-3 proteins were detected in adenoma (35/40 cases) and normal mucosa (26/111 cases), which are adjacent to adenocarcinoma. Pim-3 was constitutively expressed in SW480 cells and the transfection with Pim-3 short hairpin RNA promoted apoptosis. In the same cell line, a pro-apoptotic molecule, Bad, was phosphorylated at Ser(112) and Ser(136) sites of phosphorylation that are representative of its inactive form. Ser(112) but not Ser(136) phosphorylation in this cell line was abrogated by Pim-3 knockdown. Furthermore, in human colon cancer tissues, Pim-3 co-localized with Bad in all cases (9/9) and with phospho-Ser(112)Bad in most cases (6/9). These observations suggest that Pim-3 can inactivate Bad by phosphorylating its Ser(112) in human colon cancer cells and thus may prevent apoptosis and promote progression of human colon cancer.
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116
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Yata K, Matchett GA, Tsubokawa T, Tang J, Kanamaru K, Zhang JH. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor inhibits apoptotic neuron loss after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia in rats. Brain Res 2007; 1145:227-38. [PMID: 17359943 PMCID: PMC1888563 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.01.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2007] [Revised: 01/27/2007] [Accepted: 01/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is an important clinical problem with few effective treatments. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is an endogenous peptide hormone of the hematopoietic system that has been shown to be neuroprotective in focal ischemia in vivo and is currently in phase I/II clinical trials for ischemic stroke in humans. We tested G-CSF in a rat model of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia in postnatal day 7 unsexed rat pups. Three groups of animals were used: hypoxia-ischemia (HI, n=67), hypoxia-ischemia with G-CSF treatment (HI+G, n=65), and healthy control (C, n=53). G-CSF (50 microg/kg, subcutaneous) was administered 1 h after HI and given on four subsequent days (five total injections). Animals were euthanized 24 h, 1, 2, and 3 weeks after HI. Assessment included brain weight, histology, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. G-CSF treatment was associated with improved quantitative brain weight and qualitative Nissl histology after hypoxia-ischemia. TUNEL demonstrated reduced apoptosis in group HI+G. Western blot demonstrated decreased expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in group HI+G. G-CSF treatment was also associated with increased expression of STAT3, Bcl-2, and Pim-1, all of which may have participated in the anti-apoptotic effect of the drug. We conclude that G-CSF ameliorates hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and that this may occur in part by an inhibition of apoptotic cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Yata
- Department of Physiology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
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117
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Ronni T, Payne KJ, Ho S, Bradley MN, Dorsam G, Dovat S. Human Ikaros Function in Activated T Cells Is Regulated by Coordinated Expression of Its Largest Isoforms. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:2538-47. [PMID: 17135265 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m605627200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ikaros gene is alternately spliced to generate multiple zinc finger proteins involved in gene regulation and chromatin remodeling. Whereas murine studies have provided important information regarding the role of Ikaros in the mouse, little is known of Ikaros function in human. We report functional analyses of the two largest human Ikaros (hIK) isoforms, hIK-VI and hIK-H, in T cells. Abundant expression of hIK-H, the largest described isoform, is restricted to human hematopoietic cells. We find that the DNA binding affinity of hIK-H differs from that of hIK-VI. Co-expression of hIk-H with hIk-VI alters the ability of Ikaros complexes to bind DNA motifs found in pericentromeric heterochromatin (PC-HC). In the nucleus, hIK-VI is localized solely in PC-HC, whereas the hIK-H protein exhibits dual centromeric and non-centromeric localization. Mutational analysis defined the amino acids responsible for the distinct DNA binding ability of hIK-H, as well as the sequence required for the specific subcellular localization of this isoform. In proliferating cells, the binding of hIK-H to the upstream regulatory region of known Ikaros target genes correlates with their positive regulation by Ikaros. Results suggest that expression of hIK-H protein restricts affinity of Ikaros protein complexes toward specific PC-HC repeats. We propose a model, whereby the binding of hIK-H-deficient Ikaros complexes to the regulatory sequence of target genes would recruit these genes to the restrictive pericentromeric compartment, resulting in their repression. The presence of hIK-H in the Ikaros complex would alter its affinity for PC-HC, leading to chromatin remodeling and activation of target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapani Ronni
- Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
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Schmidt J, Jäger D, Hoffmann K, Büchler MW, Märten A. Impact of Interferon-α in Combined Chemoradioimmunotherapy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (CapRI): First Data From the Immunomonitoring. J Immunother 2007; 30:108-15. [PMID: 17198089 DOI: 10.1097/01.cji.0000211317.15278.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Data from a phase II trial combining chemoradiotherapy with IFN-alpha (CapRI scheme) for adjuvant treatment of pancreatic carcinoma are very encouraging. Therefore, a phase III trial comparing chemotherapy with the chemoradiotherapy with IFN-alpha scheme has been initiated in August 2004. Translational research with a focus on immunomodulation is performed in parallel to the study. Blood and serum samples are taken at various time points. Patients in arm A (chemoradioimmunotherapy) receive a single low-dose-Interferon injection before therapy to investigate the direct effect of IFN-alpha. So far samples from 44 patients have been investigated for surface molecule expression, cytokine levels, natural killer cell cytotoxicity, and antigen-specific Granzyme B release. Patients in arm A showed 1 day after IFN-alpha injection a significant increase in spontaneous cytotoxicity; this effect was fading after repeated injections. Furthermore, cells releasing Granzyme B after stimulation with CA 19.9 and MUC-1 protein increased under therapy. Five days after the first IFN-alpha injection, IL-12 and TNF-alpha serum levels peak. We observed significant increases of monocytes, peripheral dendritic cells, CD40 cells, central and effector memory T cells, and CD8 cells, CD4 cells decreased during therapy. All these effects were only observed in arm A patients and none of them in arm B patients. In conclusion, in a translational research project accompanying a challenging multimodality treatment trial including IFN-alpha, we observed an immediate activation of antigen-presenting cells and natural killer cells followed later on by antigen-specific activation. It will be most interesting if the immunologic data will show a correlation with the clinical course of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Schmidt
- Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Germany
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119
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Byrnes AA, Li DY, Park K, Thompson D, Mocilnikar C, Mohan P, Molleston JP, Narkewicz M, Zhou H, Wolf SF, Schwarz KB, Karp CL. Modulation of the IL-12/IFN-γ axis by IFN-α therapy for hepatitis C. J Leukoc Biol 2006; 81:825-34. [PMID: 17148690 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1006622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although IFN-alpha forms the foundation of therapy for chronic hepatitis C, only a minority of patients has a sustained response to IFN-alpha alone. The antiviral activities of IFN-alpha formed the rationale for its use in viral hepatitis. However, IFN-alpha and the other Type I IFNs are also pleiotropic immune regulators. Type I IFNs can promote IFN-gamma production by activating STAT4 but can also inhibit production of IL-12, a potent activator of STAT4 and IFN-gamma production. The efficacy of IFN-alpha in the treatment of hepatitis C may therefore depend in part on the balance of IFN-gamma-inducing and IL-12-suppressing effects. We characterized the effects of pegylated IFN-alpha therapy for hepatitis C on the capacity of patients' PBMC to produce IL-12 and IFN-gamma ex vivo. Cells from patients with a sustained virological response to therapy had significantly greater levels of IFN-alpha-driven IFN-gamma production prior to treatment than those from nonresponding patients. No differences in pretreatment IL-12 productive capacity were seen between patient groups. However, therapy with IFN-alpha led to suppression of inducible IL-12 production throughout the course of therapy in both groups of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana A Byrnes
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Schmidt J, Patrut EM, Ma J, Jäger D, Knaebel HP, Büchler MW, Märten A. Immunomodulatory impact of interferon-alpha in combination with chemoradiation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (CapRI). Cancer Immunol Immunother 2006; 55:1396-405. [PMID: 16485127 PMCID: PMC11030216 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-006-0140-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2005] [Accepted: 01/19/2006] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data from a phase II trial combining chemoradiotherapy with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) (CapRI scheme) for adjuvant treatment of pancreatic carcinoma are very encouraging. METHODS Eight human ductal pancreatic carcinoma cell lines were treated with the CapRI scheme [5-fluorouracil (5-FU), Cisplatin, IFN-alpha and radiation]. Natural killer (NK) and T cells preincubated with IFN-alpha were tested in cytotoxicity assays against these cell lines and the mechanism of cell lysis was investigated. The induction of the immunoproteasome in tumour cells after IFN-alpha stimulation was analysed by immunoblot and RT-PCR. RESULTS IFN-alpha activated NK cells and increased their cytotoxicity. This cytotoxicity was mediated as well by Fas-induced apoptosis as by perforin release. Pre-treatment of tumour cells with 5-FU and combinations showed a significant increase in the susceptibility of tumour cells against NK cells. Treatment of tumour cells with IFN-alpha induced a switch to the immunoproteasome and enhanced their vulnerability to T cells. This is the first description of this phenomenon in pancreatic carcinoma cells with implications for their immunogenicity. DISCUSSION IFN-alpha activates NK cells against pancreatic carcinoma cells and 5-FU treatment makes tumour cells more susceptible. Furthermore, IFN-alpha induces the immunoproteasome with impact on the immunogenicity of pancreatic carcinoma cells. These mechanisms may be responsible for the improved clinical outcome of CapRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Schmidt
- Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emilia M. Patrut
- Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jianhua Ma
- Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Jäger
- National Centre for Tumour Diseases, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hanns-Peter Knaebel
- Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus W. Büchler
- Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angela Märten
- Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Centre for Tumour Diseases, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Nagy ZS, Rui H, Stepkowski SM, Karras J, Kirken RA. A Preferential Role for STAT5, not Constitutively Active STAT3, in Promoting Survival of a Human Lymphoid Tumor. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 177:5032-40. [PMID: 17015686 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.177.8.5032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
STATs are believed to play key roles in normal and abnormal cell function. In the present work, we investigated the role of STATs in an IL-2-responsive human lymphoblastic lymphoma-derived cell line, YT. Only STAT3 was found constitutively tyrosine phosphorylated, but not other STATs. Hyperactive STAT3 was not attributable to a pre-existing intermediate affinity IL-2R complex and/or hyperactive Jak activity. Depletion of STAT3 protein expression reduced tumor cell viability with protracted kinetics (72-96 h), while TUNEL assays demonstrated cell death occurred via apoptosis. Interestingly, depletion of STAT5 in this same tumor induced more pronounced cell death compared with STAT3 depletion (24 h). Although IL-2 was able to rescue STAT3-depleted cells from death, it could not compensate for the loss of STAT5. To determine the prosurvival function of STAT3 vs STAT5 within the same tumor model, genes were profiled in STAT3- or STAT5-depleted YT cells by apoptosis-specific microarrays. Several differentially expressed genes were identified. Interestingly, those genes involved in NF-kappaB regulation, such as TNFR-associated factors 2 and 5 and B cell leukemia/lymphoma 10, were readily decreased upon STAT5, but not STAT3, depletion as validated by quantitative RT-PCR. These results suggest that STAT5 and, to a lesser extent, hyperactive STAT3 provide preferential and critical cell survival signals for certain human lymphoid tumors, indicating that nonhyperactive STATs should be considered as therapeutic targets for abrogating tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsanna S Nagy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
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Stepkowski SM, Kirken RA. Janus tyrosine kinases and signal transducers and activators of transcription regulate critical functions of T cells in allograft rejection and transplantation tolerance. Transplantation 2006; 82:295-303. [PMID: 16906023 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000228903.03118.be] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Full activation of T cells requires three sequential signals. Engagement by antigen presenting cells (APC) delivers signals 1/2, whereas signal 3 is delivered by multiple cytokines to regulate the immune homeostasis by influencing proliferation, differentiation, and survival/death. Signaling by cytokines acting through their receptors is delivered by two major molecular families, namely Janus tyrosine kinases (Jaks) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stats). Findings obtained from mice genetically deficient in Jaks and Stats suggest that these molecules may serve as therapeutic targets to prevent allograft rejection, induce transplantation tolerance, and inhibit autoimmune disease and lymphoid-derived tumors. This review describes the role of Jak tyrosine kinases and Stat transcription factors and their putative function in regulating T and B cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislaw M Stepkowski
- Department of Surgery, Division of Organ Transplantation, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 77030, USA.
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123
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Kim HP, Imbert J, Leonard WJ. Both integrated and differential regulation of components of the IL-2/IL-2 receptor system. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2006; 17:349-66. [PMID: 16911870 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2006.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 was discovered in 1976 as a T-cell growth factor. It was the first type I cytokine cloned and the first for which a receptor component was cloned. Its importance includes its multiple actions, therapeutic potential, and lessons for receptor biology, with three components differentially combining to form high, intermediate, and low-affinity receptors. IL-2Ralpha and IL-2Rbeta, respectively, are markers for double-negative thymocytes and regulatory T-cells versus memory cells. gamma(c), which is shared by six cytokines, is mutated in patients with X-linked severe-combined immunodeficiency. We now cover an under-reviewed area-the regulation of genes encoding IL-2 and IL-2R components, with an effort to integrate/explain this knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyoung Pyo Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1674, United States.
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van Boxel-Dezaire AHH, Rani MRS, Stark GR. Complex Modulation of Cell Type-Specific Signaling in Response to Type I Interferons. Immunity 2006; 25:361-72. [PMID: 16979568 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2006.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 402] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The type I interferons (IFNs) are pleiotropic cytokines that regulate many different cellular functions. The major signaling pathway activated by type I IFNs involves sequential phosphorylation of the tyrosine residues of the Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins, providing the primary mechanism through which gene expression is induced. Recent work has shown that the responses are quite complex, as shown by different responses to specific subtypes of type I IFN, activation of kinases in addition to JAKs, patterns of activation of all seven STATs in different cells, and activation of transcription factors other than STATs. The type I IFNs use this complexity to regulate many different biological functions in different types of cells, by activating different specific signals and patterns of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette H H van Boxel-Dezaire
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
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125
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Aho TLT, Sandholm J, Peltola KJ, Ito Y, Koskinen PJ. Pim-1 kinase phosphorylates RUNX family transcription factors and enhances their activity. BMC Cell Biol 2006; 7:21. [PMID: 16684349 PMCID: PMC1473194 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-7-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2006] [Accepted: 05/09/2006] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The pim family genes encode oncogenic serine/threonine kinases which in hematopoietic cells have been implicated in cytokine-dependent signaling as well as in lymphomagenesis, especially in cooperation with other oncogenes such as myc, bcl-2 or Runx family genes. The Runx genes encode α-subunits of heterodimeric transcription factors which regulate cell proliferation and differentiation in various tissues during development and which can become leukemogenic upon aberrant expression. Results Here we have identified novel protein-protein interactions between the Pim-1 kinase and the RUNX family transcription factors. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we were able to show that the C-terminal part of human RUNX3 associates with Pim-1. This result was confirmed in cell culture, where full-length murine Runx1 and Runx3 both coprecipitated and colocalized with Pim-1. Furthermore, catalytically active Pim-1 kinase was able to phosphorylate Runx1 and Runx3 proteins and enhance the transactivation activity of Runx1 in a dose-dependent fashion. Conclusion Altogether, our results suggest that mammalian RUNX family transcription factors are novel binding partners and substrates for the Pim-1 kinase, which may be able to regulate their activities during normal hematopoiesis as well as in leukemogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teija LT Aho
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku/Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6 B, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Turku Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 13, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Jouko Sandholm
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku/Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6 B, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Katriina J Peltola
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku/Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6 B, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Turku Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 13, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Yoshiaki Ito
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Päivi J Koskinen
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku/Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6 B, 20520 Turku, Finland
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126
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Hu Z, Fan C, Oh DS, Marron JS, He X, Qaqish BF, Livasy C, Carey LA, Reynolds E, Dressler L, Nobel A, Parker J, Ewend MG, Sawyer LR, Wu J, Liu Y, Nanda R, Tretiakova M, Orrico AR, Dreher D, Palazzo JP, Perreard L, Nelson E, Mone M, Hansen H, Mullins M, Quackenbush JF, Ellis MJ, Olopade OI, Bernard PS, Perou CM. The molecular portraits of breast tumors are conserved across microarray platforms. BMC Genomics 2006; 7:96. [PMID: 16643655 PMCID: PMC1468408 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-7-96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 987] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2006] [Accepted: 04/27/2006] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Validation of a novel gene expression signature in independent data sets is a critical step in the development of a clinically useful test for cancer patient risk-stratification. However, validation is often unconvincing because the size of the test set is typically small. To overcome this problem we used publicly available breast cancer gene expression data sets and a novel approach to data fusion, in order to validate a new breast tumor intrinsic list. RESULTS A 105-tumor training set containing 26 sample pairs was used to derive a new breast tumor intrinsic gene list. This intrinsic list contained 1300 genes and a proliferation signature that was not present in previous breast intrinsic gene sets. We tested this list as a survival predictor on a data set of 311 tumors compiled from three independent microarray studies that were fused into a single data set using Distance Weighted Discrimination. When the new intrinsic gene set was used to hierarchically cluster this combined test set, tumors were grouped into LumA, LumB, Basal-like, HER2+/ER-, and Normal Breast-like tumor subtypes that we demonstrated in previous datasets. These subtypes were associated with significant differences in Relapse-Free and Overall Survival. Multivariate Cox analysis of the combined test set showed that the intrinsic subtype classifications added significant prognostic information that was independent of standard clinical predictors. From the combined test set, we developed an objective and unchanging classifier based upon five intrinsic subtype mean expression profiles (i.e. centroids), which is designed for single sample predictions (SSP). The SSP approach was applied to two additional independent data sets and consistently predicted survival in both systemically treated and untreated patient groups. CONCLUSION This study validates the "breast tumor intrinsic" subtype classification as an objective means of tumor classification that should be translated into a clinical assay for further retrospective and prospective validation. In addition, our method of combining existing data sets can be used to robustly validate the potential clinical value of any new gene expression profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Hu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Cheng Fan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Daniel S Oh
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - JS Marron
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Xiaping He
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Bahjat F Qaqish
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Chad Livasy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lisa A Carey
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Evangeline Reynolds
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lynn Dressler
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Andrew Nobel
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Joel Parker
- Constella Health Sciences, 2605 Meridian Parkway, Durham, NC 27713, USA
| | - Matthew G Ewend
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lynda R Sawyer
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Junyuan Wu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yudong Liu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Rita Nanda
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Committees on Genetics and Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637-1463, USA
| | - Maria Tretiakova
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Committees on Genetics and Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637-1463, USA
| | - Alejandra Ruiz Orrico
- Department of Pathology, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 South 10th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Donna Dreher
- Department of Pathology, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 South 10th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Juan P Palazzo
- Department of Pathology, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 South 10th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Laurent Perreard
- The ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, 500 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA
| | - Edward Nelson
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA
| | - Mary Mone
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA
| | - Heidi Hansen
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA
| | - Michael Mullins
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA
| | - John F Quackenbush
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA
| | - Matthew J Ellis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine and Siteman Cancer Center, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Olufunmilayo I Olopade
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Committees on Genetics and Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637-1463, USA
| | - Philip S Bernard
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA
| | - Charles M Perou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Wellbrock C, Weisser C, Hassel JC, Fischer P, Becker J, Vetter CS, Behrmann I, Kortylewski M, Heinrich PC, Schartl M. STAT5 contributes to interferon resistance of melanoma cells. Curr Biol 2006; 15:1629-39. [PMID: 16169484 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2005.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2005] [Revised: 06/28/2005] [Accepted: 08/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive neoplastic disease whose incidence is increasing rapidly. In recent years, the use of interferon alpha (IFNalpha) has become the most established adjuvant immunotherapy for melanoma of advanced stage. IFNalpha is a potent inhibitor of melanoma cell proliferation, and the signal transducer and activator of transcription STAT1 is crucial for its antiproliferative action. Although advanced melanomas clinically resistant to IFNalpha are frequently characterized by inefficient STAT1 signaling, the mechanisms underlying advanced-stage interferon resistance are poorly understood. RESULTS Here, we demonstrate that IFNalpha activates STAT5 in melanoma cells and that in IFNalpha-resistant cells STAT5 is overexpressed. Significantly, the knockdown of STAT5 in interferon-resistant melanoma cells restored the growth-inhibitory response to IFNalpha. When STAT5 was overexpressed in IFNalpha-sensitive cells, it counteracted interferon-induced growth inhibition. The overexpressed STAT5 diminished IFNalpha-triggered STAT1 activation, most evidently through upregulation of the inhibitor of cytokine-signaling CIS. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that overexpression and activation of STAT5 enable melanoma cells to overcome cytokine-mediated antiproliferative signaling. Thus, overexpression of STAT5 can counteract IFNalpha signaling in melanoma cells, and this finally can result in cytokine-resistant and progressively growing tumor cells. These findings have significant implications for the clinical failure of IFNalpha therapy of advanced melanoma because they demonstrate that IFNalpha induces the activation of STAT5 in melanoma cells, and in STAT5-overexpressing cells, this contributes to IFNalpha resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Wellbrock
- Department of Physiological Chemistry I, Biocenter, Theodor-Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
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128
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Le Bon A, Durand V, Kamphuis E, Thompson C, Bulfone-Paus S, Rossmann C, Kalinke U, Tough DF. Direct Stimulation of T Cells by Type I IFN Enhances the CD8+T Cell Response during Cross-Priming. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 176:4682-9. [PMID: 16585561 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.176.8.4682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Type I IFN (IFN-alphabeta), which is produced rapidly in response to infection, plays a key role in innate immunity and also acts as a stimulus for the adaptive immune response. We have investigated how IFN-alphabeta induces cross-priming, comparing CD8+ T cell responses generated against soluble protein Ags in the presence or absence of IFN-alphabeta. Injection of IFN-alpha was found to prolong the proliferation and expansion of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells, which was associated with marked up-regulation of IL-2 and IL-15 receptors on Ag-specific cells and expression of IL-15 in the draining lymph node. Surprisingly, neither IL-2 nor IL-15 was required for IFN-alpha-induced cross-priming. Conversely, expression of the IFN-alphabetaR by T cells was shown to be necessary for effective stimulation of the response by IFN-alpha. The finding that T cells represent direct targets of IFN-alphabeta-mediated stimulation reveals an additional mechanism by which the innate response to infection promotes adaptive immunity.
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MESH Headings
- Adoptive Transfer
- Animals
- Antigen Presentation
- Base Sequence
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Cell Proliferation
- Cross Reactions
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- Immunity, Innate
- In Vitro Techniques
- Interferon-alpha/pharmacology
- Interleukin-15/genetics
- Membrane Proteins/deficiency
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Membrane Proteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Ovalbumin/immunology
- Radiation Chimera/immunology
- Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta
- Receptors, Interferon/deficiency
- Receptors, Interferon/genetics
- Receptors, Interferon/metabolism
- Receptors, Interleukin-15
- Receptors, Interleukin-2/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Le Bon
- The Edward Jenner Institute for Vaccine Research, Compton, United Kingdom
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Zhang Y, Kirken RA, Furian L, Janczewska S, Qu X, Hancock WW, Wang M, Tejpal N, Kerman R, Kahan BD, Stepkowski SM. Allograft rejection requires STAT5a/b-regulated antiapoptotic activity in T cells but not B cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 176:128-37. [PMID: 16365403 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.176.1.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
STATs play key roles in immune function. We examined the role of STAT5a/b in allograft rejection. STAT5a/b-deficient mice showed a 4-fold increased survival time of heart allografts (p < 0.01). Unlike wild type, purified STAT5a/b-/- T cells transferred to Rag1-/- recipients failed to mediate heart allograft rejection until supplemented with STAT5a/b-/- B cells. In vitro, STAT5a/b-/- T cells did not proliferate in response to Con A or alloantigens but entered apoptosis within 48 h (95%). Activated STAT5a/b-/- T cells showed increased expression of proapoptotic (caspases, DNA repair genes, TNF/TNFR-associated factor family genes) and decreased antiapoptotic mRNAs in microarrays, while Western blots confirmed reduced antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and elevated proapoptotic Bax protein expression. Interestingly, at 24 h postactivation, STAT5a/b+/+ and STAT5a/b-/- T cells produced similar levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-gamma mRNA; ELISPOT assay showed an equivalent number of IL-4- and IFN-gamma-producing T cells in both STAT5a/b+/+ and STAT5a/b-/- splenic populations. Sera from STAT5a/b+/+ and STAT5a/b-/- rejectors had donor-specific IgM, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b Ab, while STAT5a/b deficiency had no impact on B cell survival or proliferation in response to LPS. Compared with allografts from STAT5a/b+/+ recipients, heart allografts from STAT5a/b-/- recipients had markedly reduced infiltration by CD4 and CD8 T cells but increased infiltration by B cells and dense endothelial deposition of C4d, a marker of humoral rejection. Thus, activated STAT5a/b-/- T cells produce cytokines prior to entering apoptosis, thereby promoting differentiation of B cells yielding donor-specific IgM and IgG Ab that mediate allograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Division of Immunology and Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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130
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Ylikoski E, Lund R, Kyläniemi M, Filén S, Kilpeläinen M, Savolainen J, Lahesmaa R. IL-12 up-regulates T-bet independently of IFN-gamma in human CD4+ T cells. Eur J Immunol 2005; 35:3297-306. [PMID: 16220539 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200526101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
T-bet is an important Th1 driving transcription factor regulated by IFN-gamma/STAT1 pathway. T-bet turns on IFN-gamma transcription in CD4+ T cells and T-bet-deficient cells fail to differentiate to Th1 direction. Previous reports have characterized function of T-bet mainly in murine cells and very little is known about its functions in human cells. Here, we studied T-bet expression kinetics in parallel with GATA3 during Th1/Th2 polarization. We demonstrate that in addition to CD3/CD28 activation, cytokines IL-12 and IFN-alpha in the presence of neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma enhanced T-bet mRNA and protein expression in human CD4+ cells. T-bet is known to be a potent inducer of IFN-gamma. Even though IFN-gamma and IL-12 stimulation induced similar levels of T-bet protein in human CD4+ cells, IFN-gamma-treated cells produced considerably less IFN-gamma than cells treated with IL-12. Therefore, high T-bet protein expression does not necessarily correlate with IFN-gamma production. In addition, we show that the immunosuppressive cytokine TGF-beta inhibits T-bet and GATA3 protein expression only if it is present prior to primary T cell activation and is maintained in the cultures during the early polarization of Th1/Th2 cells. In conclusion, we report new insights into the cytokine regulation of T-bet in human CD4+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmi Ylikoski
- Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Abo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
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131
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Aho TLT, Lund RJ, Ylikoski EK, Matikainen S, Lahesmaa R, Koskinen PJ. Expression of human pim family genes is selectively up-regulated by cytokines promoting T helper type 1, but not T helper type 2, cell differentiation. Immunology 2005; 116:82-8. [PMID: 16108820 PMCID: PMC1802411 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2005.02201.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are the most important inducers of T helper (Th) cell differentiation. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) are responsible for human Th1-cell differentiation, while IL-4 is the critical cytokine promoting Th2-cell development. These two subsets of cells co-ordinate immunological responses to pathogens as well as autoimmune or allergic reactions. The pim family of proto-oncogenes encodes serine/threonine-specific kinases involved in cytokine-mediated signalling pathways in haematopoietic cells. Here we demonstrate that expression of pim-1 and pim-2 mRNAs is selectively up- or down-regulated in human cord-blood-derived CD4+ cells freshly induced to polarize towards Th1 or Th2 cells, respectively, whereas their expression is inhibited in both cell types by the immunosuppressive transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). Moreover, the Th1-specific cytokines IL-12 and IFN-alpha, but not the Th2-specific cytokine IL-4, transiently up-regulate pim-1 and pim-2 mRNA expression in human peripheral blood T cells and natural killer cells. In addition, the Pim-1 protein levels are strongly up-regulated by Th1-specific cytokines in all of these cell types. Taken together, our results suggest that pim genes and their protein products are involved in the early differentiation process of T helper cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teija L T Aho
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku/Abo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
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132
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Bachmann M, Kosan C, Xing PX, Montenarh M, Hoffmann I, Möröy T. The oncogenic serine/threonine kinase Pim-1 directly phosphorylates and activates the G2/M specific phosphatase Cdc25C. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2005; 38:430-43. [PMID: 16356754 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2005.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2005] [Revised: 10/01/2005] [Accepted: 10/07/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The proto-oncogene Pim-1 encodes a serine-threonine kinase which is a downstream effector of cytokine signaling and can enhance cell cycle progression by altering the activity of several cell cycle regulators among them the G1 specific inhibitor p21(Waf), the phosphatase Cdc25A and the kinase C-TAK1. Here, we demonstrate by using biochemical assays that Pim-1 can interact with the phosphatase Cdc25C and is able to directly phosphorylate the N-terminal region of the protein. Cdc25C is functionally related to Cdc25A but acts specifically at the G2/M cell cycle transition point and can be inactivated by C-TAK1-mediated phosphorylation. Immuno-fluorescence experiments showed that Pim-1 and Cdc25C co-localize in the cytoplasm of both epithelial and myeloid cells. We find that phosphorylation by Pim-1 enhances the phosphatase activity of Cdc25C and in transfected cells that are arrested in G2/M by bleomycin, Pim-1 can enhance progression into G1. Therefore, we propose that Pim-1 activates Cdc25C by a direct phosphorylation and can thereby assume the function of a positive cell cycle regulator at the G2/M transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malte Bachmann
- Institut für Zellbiologie (Tumorforschung), IFZ, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Virchowstrasse 173, D-45122 Essen, Germany
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133
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Rakkola R, Matikainen S, Nyman TA. Proteome characterization of human NK-92 cells identifies novel IFN-alpha and IL-15 target genes. J Proteome Res 2005; 4:75-82. [PMID: 15707360 DOI: 10.1021/pr049857b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important components of innate immune defense. NK cells kill virus-infected cells and secrete cytokines that are involved in activation of other immune cells. Macrophage-derived cytokines interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and interleukin-15 (IL-15) are in turn important activators of NK cells, but the receptors and intracellular pathways that are involved in NK cell functions are still incompletely known. Here we have used expression proteomics to find new IFN-alpha and IL-15 regulated proteins in human NK-92 cells, which have the characteristics of activated NK cells. Cells were stimulated with cytokines for 20 h, lysed, and soluble proteins were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis, and differentially expressed protein spots were identified with mass spectrometry and database searches. A total of 57 protein spots were found to be reproducibly differentially expressed between control and cytokine stimulated gel pairs, 26 spots being more than 2-fold upregulated and 3 spots being at least 2-fold downregulated. The rest 28 spots showed minor, less than 2-fold changes in their expression levels after quantification. From the differentially expressed protein spots we identified 47 different proteins, most of which are new IFN-alpha and IL-15 target proteins. Interestingly, we show that e.g., adenylate kinase 2 is highly upregulated by IFN-alpha and IL-15 stimulation in NK-92 cells. The expression of selected genes with high expression level differences after cytokine stimulation were further studied at mRNA level. Northern blot analysis showed that the genes studied were induced by IFN-alpha, IL-15, and IL-2 already at 3 h time point, suggesting that they are primary target genes of these cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riitta Rakkola
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Abo Akademi University, Turku, Finland and National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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134
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Abstract
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) was the first human malignancy where a consistent chromosomal abnormality, the BCR-ABL translocation, was identified as the causative genetic aberration. There is a mounting body of evidence suggesting that CML cells are particularly good targets for immunological surveillance mechanisms, the most intriguing being the curative effect of allogeneic donor lymphocyte infusion given in relapsed disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Likewise, interferon alpha (IFN alpha), which has long been considered as the standard conservative therapy in CML, may exert its life-prolonging effect by activating immunological effector functions. This review will focus on the recent advances in the understanding of the contribution of IFN alpha in eliciting T-cell responses against self-antigens in CML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Burchert
- Klinikum der Philipps Universität Marburg, Klinik für Hämatologie, Onkologie und Immunologie, Marburg, Germany
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135
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Abstract
Interferons are cytokines that have antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects. Because of these important properties, in the past two decades, major research efforts have been undertaken to understand the signalling mechanisms through which these cytokines induce their effects. Since the original discovery of the classical JAK (Janus activated kinase)-STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) pathway of signalling, it has become clear that the coordination and cooperation of multiple distinct signalling cascades - including the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 cascade and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase cascade - are required for the generation of responses to interferons. It is anticipated that an increased understanding of the contributions of these recently identified pathways will advance our current thinking about how interferons work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonidas C Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Medical School, 710 North Fairbanks Court, Olson 8250, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
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136
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Kovanen PE, Leonard WJ. Cytokines and immunodeficiency diseases: critical roles of the gamma(c)-dependent cytokines interleukins 2, 4, 7, 9, 15, and 21, and their signaling pathways. Immunol Rev 2005; 202:67-83. [PMID: 15546386 DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2004.00203.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the role of cytokines and their signaling pathways in immunodeficiency. We focus primarily on severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) diseases as the most severe forms of primary immunodeficiencies, reviewing the different genetic causes of these diseases. We focus in particular on the range of forms of SCID that result from defects in cytokine-signaling pathways. The most common form of SCID, X-linked SCID, results from mutations in the common cytokine receptor gamma-chain, which is shared by the receptors for interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15, and IL-21, underscoring that X-linked SCID is indeed a disease of defective cytokine signaling. We also review the signaling pathways used by these cytokines and the phenotypes in humans and mice with defects in the cytokines or signaling pathways. We also briefly discuss other cytokines, such as interferon-gamma and IL-12, where mutations in the ligand or receptor or signaling components also cause clinical disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panu E Kovanen
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1674, USA
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137
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Watford WT, Hissong BD, Bream JH, Kanno Y, Muul L, O'Shea JJ. Signaling by IL-12 and IL-23 and the immunoregulatory roles of STAT4. Immunol Rev 2005; 202:139-56. [PMID: 15546391 DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2004.00211.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 395] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Produced in response to a variety of pathogenic organisms, interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 are key immunoregulatory cytokines that coordinate innate and adaptive immune responses. These dimeric cytokines share a subunit, designated p40, and bind to a common receptor chain, IL-12R beta 1. The receptor for IL-12 is composed of IL-12R beta 1 and IL-12R beta 2, whereas IL-23 binds to a receptor composed of IL-12R beta 1 and IL-23R. Both cytokines activate the Janus kinases Tyk2 and Jak2, the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4), as well as other STATs. A major action of IL-12 is to promote the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into T-helper (Th) 1 cells, which produce interferon (IFN)-gamma, and deficiency of IL-12, IL-12R subunits or STAT4 is similar in many respects. In contrast, IL-23 promotes end-stage inflammation. Targeting IL-12, IL-23, and their downstream signaling elements would therefore be logical strategies for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy T Watford
- Molecular Immunology & Inflammation Branch, NIAMS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1820, USA
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138
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Ma JH, Patrut E, Schmidt J, Knaebel HP, Büchler MW, Märten A. Synergistic effects of interferon-alpha in combination with chemoradiation on human pancreatic adenocarcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2005; 11:1521-8. [PMID: 15770730 PMCID: PMC4305696 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i10.1521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2004] [Revised: 08/27/2004] [Accepted: 09/01/2004] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To determine whether IFN-alpha is the agent that turns a slightly effective treatment (radiochemotherapy) into a potent therapy, we tested IFN-alpha for its synergistic properties. METHODS Eight pancreatic carcinoma cell lines were treated with the single agents and combinations of these. The role of IFN-alpha regarding a) direct inhibitory effects; b) radio and chemosensitizing effects; c) anti-angiogenic properties and d) enhancement of immunogenicity was investigated. RESULTS Our results show that IFN-alpha has direct inhibitory properties and some synergistic influence as determined by AnnexinV/PI stain and cell count. IFN-alpha is also able to prevent the increase in proliferation rate and VEGF secretion of CDDP resistant cells. Having taken the results from immunogenicity experiments together, we found cells that can be influenced by IFN-alpha but were less susceptible against T cells. Furthermore, high expression of MHC molecules, CD118, EGF-R and Fas was predictive for a good response. CONCLUSION In conclusion, IFN-alpha has direct cytotoxic effects, acts as a radiosensitizer and circumvents tumor cell-regrowth after CDDP treatment. These mechanisms may be responsible for the good clinical outcome of CapRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Ma
- Department of Surgery, Univerity of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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139
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Tanabe Y, Nishibori T, Su L, Arduini RM, Baker DP, David M. Cutting edge: role of STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5 in IFN-alpha beta responses in T lymphocytes. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 174:609-13. [PMID: 15634877 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.174.2.609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Engagement of the IFN-alphabeta receptor initiates multiple signaling cascades, including activation of the STAT. In this study, we demonstrate that IFN-alphabeta, although antiproliferative in wild-type CD4(+) or CD8(+) T cells, act as strong mitogens on their STAT1(-/-) counterparts. Furthermore, IFN-alphabeta exert little effect on apoptosis in wild-type cells, but are potent survival factors in the absence of STAT1. The antiapoptotic response in the absence of STAT1 is predominantly mediated by STAT3, and to a lesser extent by STAT5A/B. In contrast, the mitogenic IFN-alphabeta response gained through the absence of STAT1 is only marginally affected when STAT5A/B expression is also abrogated, but is completely dependent on STAT3 activation. These findings provide the first evidence for a function of STAT3 and STAT5A/B in the IFN-alphabeta response, and support a model in which the IFN-alphabeta receptor initiates both pro- and antiapoptotic responses through STAT1, and STAT3 and STAT5A/B, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinari Tanabe
- Division of Biological Sciences, and Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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140
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Rainio EM, Ahlfors H, Carter KL, Ruuska M, Matikainen S, Kieff E, Koskinen PJ. Pim kinases are upregulated during Epstein–Barr virus infection and enhance EBNA2 activity. Virology 2005; 333:201-6. [PMID: 15721354 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2005.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2004] [Revised: 11/16/2004] [Accepted: 01/03/2005] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is strongly associated with B-cell proliferative diseases such as Burkitt's lymphoma. Here we show that the oncogenic serine/threonine kinases Pim-1 and Pim-2 enhance the activity of the viral transcriptional activator EBNA2. During EBV infection of primary B-lymphocytes, the mRNA expression levels of pim genes, especially of pim-2, are upregulated and remain elevated in latently infected B-cell lines. Thus, EBV-induced upregulation of Pim kinases and Pim-stimulated EBNA2 transcriptional activity may contribute to the ability of EBV to immortalize B-cells and predispose them to malignant growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eeva-Marja Rainio
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku/Abo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6B, 20520 Turku, Finland
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141
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Dikopoulos N, Bertoletti A, Kröger A, Hauser H, Schirmbeck R, Reimann J. Type I IFN negatively regulates CD8+ T cell responses through IL-10-producing CD4+ T regulatory 1 cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 174:99-109. [PMID: 15611232 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.174.1.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Pleiotropic, immunomodulatory effects of type I IFN on T cell responses are emerging. We used vaccine-induced, antiviral CD8(+) T cell responses in IFN-beta (IFN-beta(-/-))- or type I IFN receptor (IFNAR(-/-))-deficient mice to study immunomodulating effects of type I IFN that are not complicated by the interference of a concomitant virus infection. Compared with normal B6 mice, IFNAR(-/-) or IFN-beta(-/-) mice have normal numbers of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, and CD25(+)FoxP3(+) T regulatory (T(R)) cells in liver and spleen. Twice as many CD8(+) T cells specific for different class I-restricted epitopes develop in IFNAR(-/-) or IFN-beta(-/-) mice than in normal animals after peptide- or DNA-based vaccination. IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha production and clonal expansion of specific CD8(+) T cells from normal and knockout mice are similar. CD25(+)FoxP3(+) T(R) cells down-modulate vaccine-primed CD8(+) T cell responses in normal, IFNAR(-/-), or IFN-beta(-/-) mice to a comparable extent. Low IFN-alpha or IFN-beta doses (500-10(3) U/mouse) down-modulate CD8(+) T cells priming in vivo. IFNAR- and IFN-beta-deficient mice generate 2- to 3-fold lower numbers of IL-10-producing CD4(+) T cells after polyclonal or specific stimulation in vitro or in vivo. CD8(+) T cell responses are thus subjected to negative control by both CD25(+)FoxP3(+) T(R) cells and CD4(+)IL-10(+) T(R1) cells, but only development of the latter T(R) cells depends on type I IFN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nektarios Dikopoulos
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, D-89081 Ulm, Germany.
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142
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Zhu H, Shang X, Terada N, Liu C. STAT3 induces anti-hepatitis C viral activity in liver cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 324:518-28. [PMID: 15474458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.09.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2004] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause a of chronic liver disease worldwide. The main therapeutic regimen is the combination of interferon alpha (IFN) and the nucleoside analog, Ribavirin. IFN initiates an intracellular antiviral state by the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, including a presumed role for STAT1 and STAT2. We have previously shown that the STAT3 activation occurs during IFN treatment of human hepatoma cells, suggesting that the STAT3-mediated pathway is relevant to IFN-induced antiviral activity. In this study, we investigate the role of activated STAT3 in the induction of anti-HCV activity in human hepatoma cells. We demonstrate that the STAT3 activation is involved in efficient IFN-induced anti-HCV activity. Using an inducible, cytokine-independent, STAT3 activation system, in which the entire coding region of STAT3 is fused with the ligand-binding domain of the estrogen receptor, we demonstrate that: activated STAT3 is tightly regulated in a stably transfected cell line by an estrogen analog, 4-HT; activated STAT3 initiates efficient anti-HCV activity in a HCV subgenomic replicon cell line; and activation of STAT3 is associated with the induction of a potential antiviral gene, 1-8U. In addition, we show that the cytokine IL-6, a potent STAT3 activator, inhibits HCV subgenomic RNA replication through STAT3 activation and ERK pathway. These results strongly suggest that STAT3 activation is capable of initiating intracellular antiviral pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizhen Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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143
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Stout BA, Bates ME, Liu LY, Farrington NN, Bertics PJ. IL-5 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor activate STAT3 and STAT5 and promote Pim-1 and cyclin D3 protein expression in human eosinophils. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2004; 173:6409-17. [PMID: 15528381 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.173.10.6409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Allergic inflammation is characterized by elevated eosinophil numbers and by the increased production of the cytokines IL-5 and GM-CSF, which control several eosinophil functions, including the suppression of apoptosis. The JAK/STAT pathway is important for several functions in hemopoietic cells, including the suppression of apoptosis. We report in this study that STAT3, STAT5a, and STAT5b are expressed in human eosinophils and that their signaling pathways are active following IL-5 or GM-CSF treatment. However, in airway eosinophils, the phosphorylation of STAT5 by IL-5 is reduced, an event that may be related to the reduced expression of the IL-5Ralpha on airway eosinophils. Furthermore, IL-5 and GM-CSF induced the protein expression of cyclin D3 and the kinase Pim-1, both of which are regulated by STAT-dependent processes in some cell systems. Pim-1 is more abundantly expressed in airway eosinophils than in blood eosinophils. Because Pim-1 reportedly has a role in the modulation of apoptosis, these results suggest that Pim-1 action is linked to the suppression of eosinophil apoptosis by these cytokines. Although cyclin D3 is known to be critical for cell cycle progression, eosinophils are terminally differentiated cells that do not proceed through the cell cycle. Thus, this apparent cytokine regulation of cyclin D3 suggests that there is an alternative role(s) for cyclin D3 in eosinophil biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Stout
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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144
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Katakami N, Kaneto H, Hao H, Umayahara Y, Fujitani Y, Sakamoto K, Gorogawa SI, Yasuda T, Kawamori D, Kajimoto Y, Matsuhisa M, Yutani C, Hori M, Yamasaki Y. Role of Pim-1 in Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:54742-9. [PMID: 15471855 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m409140200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and alterations of their phenotype are implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Arterial wall injury induces the expression of proto-oncogenes, leading to the proliferation of VSMCs. In particular, c-Myc and c-Myb play a central role in cell cycle progression and are essential for VSMC replication. The protooncogene Pim-1 cooperates with c-Myc and enhances the transcriptional activity of c-Myb in hematopoietic cells, suggesting that Pim-1 is involved in cell cycle regulation. The aim of this study was to examine the possible involvement of Pim-1 in VSMC proliferation. Pim-1 was substantially induced in neointimal VSMCs of balloon-injured rat carotid arteries, and in vivo infection with a dominant negative Pim-1-expressing adenovirus (Ad-DN-Pim-1) markedly suppressed neointima formation and cell cycle progression in the balloon-injured arteries. In cultured VSMCs, treatment with serum or H(2)O(2) induced Pim-1 expression, and H(2)O(2)- or serum-stimulated cell cycle progression and DNA synthesis were almost completely inhibited by DN-Pim-1 overexpression. Furthermore, we performed immunohisto-chemical staining for Pim-1 in human thoracic aortas and coronary arteries obtained from six individuals at autopsy and found that Pim-1-positive cells are observed predominantly in the thickened intima of the aortas and coronary arteries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing Pim-1 expression in rodent and human arterial walls. To summarize, Pim-1 expression was observed in the neointima of balloon-injured rat carotid arteries and in human thoracic aortas and coronary arteries showing intimal thickening, and the specific inhibition of Pim-1 function markedly suppressed neointima formation after balloon injury and the proliferation of cultured VSMCs, suggesting that Pim-1 plays a role in VSMC proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Katakami
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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145
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Teleshova N, Kenney J, Jones J, Marshall J, Van Nest G, Dufour J, Bohm R, Lifson JD, Gettie A, Pope M. CpG-C immunostimulatory oligodeoxyribonucleotide activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in rhesus macaques to augment the activation of IFN-gamma-secreting simian immunodeficiency virus-specific T cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2004; 173:1647-57. [PMID: 15265893 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.173.3.1647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
There are two principle subsets of dendritic cells (DCs); CD11c(+)CD123(-) myeloid DCs (MDCs) and CD11c(-)CD123(+) plasmacytoid DCs (PDCs). DC activation via TNF-TNFRs (e.g., CD40L) and TLRs (e.g., immunostimulatory oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ISS-ODNs)) is crucial for maximal stimulation of innate and adaptive immunity. Macaque DC biology is being studied to improve HIV vaccines using the SIV macaque model. Using lineage (Lin) markers to exclude non-DCs, Lin(-)HLA-DR(+)CD11c(+)CD123(-) MDCs and Lin(-)HLA-DR(+)CD11c(-)CD123(+) PDCs were identified in the blood of uninfected macaques and healthy macaques infected with SIV or simian-human immunodeficiency virus. Overnight culture of DC-enriched Lin-depleted cells increased CD80 and CD86 expression. IL-12 production and CD80/CD86 expression by MDC/PDC mixtures was further enhanced by CD40L and ISS-ODN treatment. A CpG-B ISS-ODN increased CD80/CD86 expression by PDCs, but resulted in little IFN-alpha secretion unless IL-3 was added. In contrast, a CpG-C ISS-ODN and aldrithiol-2-inactivated (AT-2) SIV induced considerable PDC activation and IFN-alpha release without needing exogenous IL-3. The CpG-C ISS-ODN also stimulated IL-12 release (unlike AT-2 SIV) and augmented DC immunostimulatory activity, increasing SIV-specific T cell IFN-gamma production induced by AT-2 SIV-presenting MDC/PDC-enriched mixtures. These data highlight the functional capacities of MDCs and PDCs in naive as well as healthy, infected macaques, revealing a promising CpG-C ISS-ODN-driven DC activation strategy that boosts immune function to augment preventative and therapeutic vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Teleshova
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY 10021, USA
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146
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Schuringa JJ, Chung KY, Morrone G, Moore MAS. Constitutive activation of STAT5A promotes human hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and erythroid differentiation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 200:623-35. [PMID: 15353555 PMCID: PMC2212750 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20041024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)5 is involved in various aspects of hematopoiesis, affecting cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell survival. Constitutive activation of STAT5 has also been associated with leukemic transformation. We overexpressed the constitutively active mutant STAT5A(1*6) in human cord blood CD34+ cells and evaluated the effects on the hematopoietic potential of stem cells in a variety of in vitro and in vivo systems. The observed phenotypic changes were correlated with differential gene expression patterns induced by STAT5A(1*6). Our data indicate that a persistent activation of STAT5A in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells results in their enhanced self-renewal and diverts differentiation to the erythroid lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Jacob Schuringa
- Laboratory of Developmental Hematopoiesis, Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY 10021, USA
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147
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Bachmann M, Hennemann H, Xing PX, Hoffmann I, Möröy T. The oncogenic serine/threonine kinase Pim-1 phosphorylates and inhibits the activity of Cdc25C-associated kinase 1 (C-TAK1): a novel role for Pim-1 at the G2/M cell cycle checkpoint. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:48319-28. [PMID: 15319445 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m404440200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Pim-1 oncogene encodes a serine-threonine kinase that relays signals from cytokine receptors and contributes to the formation of lymphoid tumors when expressed at high levels. Here we show that the protein kinase Cdc25 C-associated kinase 1 (C-TAK1) is a binding partner and a substrate of Pim-1. A physical interaction of Pim-1 and C-TAK1 could be shown biochemically and in yeast two-hybrid assays. Immunofluorescence experiments suggested that Pim-1.C-TAK1 complexes are predominantly cytoplasmic. When transiently transfected, Pim-1 was also found in the nucleus and could recruit C-TAK1 to this compartment. Both Pim-1 and C-TAK1 underwent autophosphorylation, but only Pim-1 was able to phosphorylate C-TAK1 but not vice versa. Mass spectrometry analysis of C-TAK1 suggested that the sites of autophosphorylation and Pim-1-mediated phosphorylation are distinct and not overlapping. Phosphorylation by Pim-1 decreased C-TAK1 kinase activity significantly, in particular its ability to phosphorylate and inactivate Cdc25C, a protein that actively promotes cell cycle progression at the G(2)/M phase. Hence our findings directly suggest a novel role for Pim-1 as a positive regulator at the G(2)/M transition of the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malte Bachmann
- Institut für Zellbiologie (Tumorforschung), IFZ, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Virchowstrasse 173, D-45122 Essen, Germany
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148
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Mikkers H, Nawijn M, Allen J, Brouwers C, Verhoeven E, Jonkers J, Berns A. Mice deficient for all PIM kinases display reduced body size and impaired responses to hematopoietic growth factors. Mol Cell Biol 2004; 24:6104-15. [PMID: 15199164 PMCID: PMC480904 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.24.13.6104-6115.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Pim family of proto-oncogenes encodes a distinct class of serine/threonine kinases consisting of PIM1, PIM2, and PIM3. Although the Pim genes are evolutionarily highly conserved, the contribution of PIM proteins to mammalian development is unclear. PIM1-deficient mice were previously described but showed only minor phenotypic aberrations. To assess the role of PIM proteins in mammalian physiology, compound Pim knockout mice were generated. Mice lacking expression of Pim1, Pim2, and Pim3 are viable and fertile. However, PIM-deficient mice show a profound reduction in body size at birth and throughout postnatal life. In addition, the in vitro response of distinct hematopoietic cell populations to growth factors is severely impaired. In particular, PIM proteins are required for the efficient proliferation of peripheral T lymphocytes mediated by synergistic T-cell receptor and interleukin-2 signaling. These results indicate that members of the PIM family of proteins are important but dispensable factors for growth factor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Mikkers
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Centre of Biomedical Genetics, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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149
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Ivanova AV, Ivanov SV, Zhang X, Ivanov VN, Timofeeva OA, Lerman MI. STRA13 Interacts with STAT3 and Modulates Transcription of STAT3-dependent Targets. J Mol Biol 2004; 340:641-53. [PMID: 15223310 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2004.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2004] [Revised: 05/10/2004] [Accepted: 05/17/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
STRA13 is a pVHL-dependent bHLH transcription factor up-regulated on the mRNA level in multiple cancer cell lines and implicated recently in the regulation of immune cell homeostasis and autoimmunity. In searching for STRA13-interacting proteins with oncogenic potential by the yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified STAT3 beta as a STRA13-binding partner. We showed that STRA13 binds predominantly to phosphorylated (active) STAT3 alpha and beta isoforms via its HLH and C-terminal regions. We also found that STRA13 was able to activate transcription from STAT-dependent cis-elements. Expression of endogenous STRA13 was shown to be cytokine-inducible, consistent with STRA13 involvement in STAT-dependent transcription regulation. We demonstrated that the STAT3-regulated promoter of the pro-apoptotic Fas gene was activated upon STRA13 over-expression and that co-expression of STRA13 with STAT3 beta or STAT3 alpha modulated the transcriptional outcome. Forced expression of STRA13 induced apoptosis, in agreement with the STRA13 activation effect on the Fas promoter. Simultaneous expression of STRA13 and STAT3 beta resulted in alleviation of the STRA13 pro-apoptotic effect. Thus, for the first time, we identify STRA13 as a STAT3 partner and provide a consistent line of evidence for STRA13 involvement into regulation of apoptosis via the STAT pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Ivanova
- Basic Research Program, SAIC-Frederick Inc., National Cancer Institute at Frederick, National Institutes of HEalth, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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150
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Strengell M, Julkunen I, Matikainen S. IFN-alpha regulates IL-21 and IL-21R expression in human NK and T cells. J Leukoc Biol 2004; 76:416-22. [PMID: 15178704 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1003488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-21 is a T cell-derived cytokine that regulates innate and adaptive immune responses. IL-21 receptor (IL-21R), which is expressed in natural killer (NK) and T cells, is structurally homologous to IL-2Rbeta and IL-15Ralpha. These receptors also share a common cytokine receptor gamma-chain with IL-4, IL-7, and IL-9. Macrophage- or dendritic cell-derived interferon (IFN)-alpha/beta is a key cytokine in regulation of NK and T cell functions. We demonstrate here that in addition to activating IFN-gamma gene expression, IFN-alpha/beta and IL-12 enhance the mRNA expression of IL-21 in activated human T cells. In addition, IFN-alpha/beta enhanced T cell receptor stimulation-induced IL-21 and IFN-gamma gene expression in resting T cells. The promoter analysis of IL-21 gene revealed a putative IFN-gamma activation site element, which was found to bind signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), STAT2, STAT3, and STAT4 proteins in IFN-alpha/beta-stimulated NK or T cell extracts. In contrast to IL-21 expression, IFN-alpha/beta down-regulated IL-21R mRNA expression in NK and T cells. IFN-alpha/beta-induced down-regulation of IL-21R expression resulted in reduced STAT3 phosphorylation and DNA binding after IL-21 stimulation. In conclusion, our results suggest a novel role for IFN-alpha/beta in the regulation of IL-21 response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Strengell
- Department of Microbiology, National Public Health Institute, Mannerheimintie 166, FIN-00300 Helsinki, Finland.
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