Suppression of gelatinase production with decreased invasiveness of choriocarcinoma cells by human recombinant interferon beta

Interferon-alpha in combination with chemotherapy has potent antiangiogenic properties in an orthotopic mouse model for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

There are clinical data showing encouraging results for combining chemoradiotherapy with interferon (IFN)-alpha (CapRI scheme) for the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma. Here, it was tried to evaluate the antiangiogenic effect of IFN-alpha in combination with chemotherapy. Mice were inoculated with syngeneic pancreatic carcinoma cells in the pancreas. After 5 days, the animals were treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)+/-IFN-alpha. Tumor growth, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum levels and VEGF-R expression, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of mRNA coding for RGS-5, an angiogenic pericyte marker at sites of physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis and impact of IFN-alpha treatment on vessel density by CD31 stain and intravital microscopy were analyzed. The addition of IFN-alpha to 5-FU-treatment decreased tumor volume, reduced serum level of VEGF, and down-regulated the expression of VEGF-receptor significantly. Furthermore, the combination therapy revealed a decrease in vessel density and a down-regulation of RGS-5, which is a protein involved in angiogenic tumor vasculature. IFN-alpha significantly improves the outcome of 5-FU-therapy in treating pancreatic carcinoma. This is at least partly mediated by IFN-alpha antiangiogenic properties, which acts along with 5-FU on the VEGF system, vessel density, and RGS-5 expression in pericytes.

Involvement of RB gene family in tumor angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, represents a fundamental step in tumor progression and metastatization. The induction of vasculature is required for growth of the tumor mass, to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen and metabolites to the tumor beyond a critical size. Tumor angiogenesis is a highly regulated process that is controlled physiologically by the tumor microenvironment and genetically by alteration of several oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. We will focus on recent demonstrations regarding the involvement of the retinoblastoma family proteins (phosphorylated retinoblastoma (pRb), p107 and pRb2/p130) at different levels of the angiogenic process. pRb and its homologs can regulate the expression of pro- and antiangiogenic factors, such as the vascular endothelial growth factor, through an E2F-dependent mechanism. Moreover, pRb is able to modulate also the transcriptional activity of several angiogenesis-related factors like HIF-1, Id2 and Oct-1. pRb2/p130 is required for both differentiation and mobilization of bone marrow-derived endothelial cell precursors and endothelial sprouting from neighboring vessels. The involvement of the pRb pathway in the angiogenesis process has also been demonstrated by different cellular models expressing viral oncoproteins, like human papilloma virus. Moreover, some natural and synthetic compounds demonstrate their antiangiogenetic activity with a mechanism of action involving pRb. Finally, the possible prognostic value of immunohistochemical evaluation of pRb and/or pRb2/p130 expression can represent a useful tool for the characterization of the angiogenic phenotype of specific tumor histotypes.

A phase I, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic dose escalation trial of weekly paclitaxel with interferon-α2b in patients with solid tumors

PURPOSE

Paclitaxel and interferon have demonstrated anti-angiogenic activity in vitro and in vivo. The toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of paclitaxel with interferon-alpha2b (IFN-alpha2b) were assessed in patients with solid tumors to assess the feasibility of this novel anti-angiogenic regimen.

METHODS

IFN-alpha2b (1 million units) was administered twice daily by subcutaneous injection. Paclitaxel was given weekly over 1 h starting at 30 mg/m2 and increased to 50 mg/m2. Cycles were repeated every 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients with a variety of solid tumors were enrolled. Dose-limiting toxicity in cycle 1 was observed at 50 mg/m2. Eleven patients were treated at 40 mg/m2 with no undue toxicity. Pharmacokinetic parameter comparison studies were completed in 11 patients who received days 1 and 29 paclitaxel. Mean paclitaxel clearance and area under the curve (0-infinity) were not statistically different from days 1 to 29. There was a 50% increase in the average Cmax from days 1 to 29. There was also a 73% decrease of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels in these 11 patients from days 1 to 29 (p < 0.0005). All three patients with cutaneous angiosarcomas experienced clinically meaningful remissions. In addition, minor responses were observed in one patient with heavily pretreated ovarian cancer and another with adrenocortical carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

This trial details the inability to dose escalate to the maximum tolerated dose of weekly paclitaxel when combined with low-dose interferon. However, this low-dose regimen caused a significant decrease in MMP-9 and demonstrated anti-cancer activity in cutaneous angiosarcomas.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase activity is essential for inhibition of prostatic tumor growth by interferon-beta gene therapy

We have previously reported that adenoviral vector-mediated interferon (IFN)-beta gene therapy inhibits orthotopic growth of human prostate cancer cells in nude mice. The purpose of this study was to determine efficacy and mechanisms of this therapy in immune-competent mice. TRAMP-C2Re3 mouse prostate cancer cells infected with 100 multiplicity of infection (MOI) of adenoviral vector encoding for mouse IFN-beta (AdmIFN-beta), but not AdE/1 (a control adenoviral vector), produced approximately 60 ng/10(5) cells/24 h of IFN-beta. The tumorigenicity of AdmIFN-beta-transduced cells was dramatically reduced in the prostates of C57BL/6 mice. A single intratumoral injection of 2 x 10(9) PFU (plaque-forming unit) of AdmIFN-beta inhibited tumor growth by 70% and prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice. Intriguingly, this AdmIFN-beta therapy did not alter the growth of tumors in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-null C57BL/6 mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that treatment of tumors with AdmIFN-beta in wild-type C57BL/6 mice led to increased iNOS expression, decreased microvessel density, decreased cell proliferation, and increased apoptosis. Furthermore, quantitative reverse-transcriptional PCR analysis showed that AdmIFN-beta therapy, in C57BL/6 but not the iNOS-null counterparts, reduced levels of the mRNAs for angiopoietin, basic fibroblast growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9, transforming growth factor-beta1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, and VEGF-B, as well as the antiapoptotic molecule endothelin-1. These data indicated that IFN-beta gene therapy could be effective alternative for the treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer and suggest an obligatory role of NO in IFN-beta antitumoral effects in vivo.

Antiproliferative effects of interferon-alphaCon1 on ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo

PURPOSE

We examined the antiproliferative effect of IFN-alphaCon1 and its mechanism on ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

(a) The effects of IFN-alphaCon1 on growth, morphology, cell cycle, and type I IFN-alpha receptor (IFNAR-2) expression were examined on two ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma cell lines (KOC-5C and KOC-7C) in vitro. (b) KOC-5C or KOC-7C cells were transplanted into nude mice, and changes in tumor volume, tumor weight, apoptosis, necrosis, and microvessel density were investigated. The expression of angiogenesis factors was examined in the serum and the developed tumors.

RESULTS

Both cell lines expressed IFNAR-2 mRNA, but its protein was detected only in KOC-7C. In KOC-7C cells, antiproliferative effects were observed in a time- and dose-dependent manner and cell division was blocked at the S phase. The KOC-7C tumors showed decreases in tumor volume and weight; a decreasing tendency in basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor, and interleukin (IL)-8 protein expression in the tumor; a significant decrease in bFGF and IL-8 protein expression in the serum, and of microvessel density; and significant increase in apoptosis and necrosis in the tumor. In the KOC-5C tumors, these in vitro and in vivo changes were not apparent, and the antiproliferative effects of IFN-alphaCon1 were not obvious.

CONCLUSIONS

IFN-alphaCon1 suppresses tumor proliferation by inducing apoptosis, blocking the cell cycle, and inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. Our findings show that the clinical efficacy of IFN-alphaCon1 can be predicted by examining IFNAR-2 expression on tumor cells, and the efficacy of IFN-alphaCon1 treatment can be evaluated by measuring serum bFGF and IL-8 levels.

The interferon-inducible IFI16 gene inhibits tube morphogenesis and proliferation of primary, but not HPV16 E6/E7-immortalized human endothelial cells

Immunohistochemical analysis has demonstrated that the human IFI16 gene, in addition to the hematopoietic tissues, is highly expressed in endothelial cells and squamous stratified epithelia. In this study, we have developed a reliable HSV-derived replication-defective vector (TO-IFI16) to efficiently transduce IFI16 into primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), which are usually poorly transfectable. HUVEC infection with TO-IFI16 virus suppressed endothelial migration, invasion and formation of capillary-like structures in vitro. In parallel, sustained IFI16 expression inhibited HUVEC cell cycle progression, accompanied by significant induction of p53, p21, and hypophosphorylated pRb. Further support for the involvement of these pathways in IFI16 activity came from the finding that infection with TO-IFI16 virus does not impair the in vitro angiogenic activity and cell cycle progression of HUVEC immortalized by HPV16 E6/E7 oncogenes, which are known to inactivate both p53 and pRb systems. This use of a reliable viral system for gene delivery into primary human endothelial cells assigns a potent angiostatic activity to an IFN-inducible gene, namely IFI16, and thus throws further light on antiangiogenic therapy employing IFNs.

Modulation of monocytes matrix metalloproteinase-2, MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 by interferon-gamma and -beta: implications to multiple sclerosis

Recent findings have implicated the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), while in vivo interferon (IFN)-beta treatment was demonstrated to suppress MMPs. In the present study, the effects mediated by IFN-gamma and IFN-beta on the mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2, its physiological activator, MT1-MMP and its endogenous inhibitor, TIMP-2, by monocytes were evaluated in vitro. The results point to the significance of IFNs in modulating MMPs/tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) expression, and support the possibility that the therapeutic effects of IFN-beta may be, in part, due to induction of a shift from "pro-" to "anti-proteolytic" pattern of MMPs and TIMPs expression.

Combined regimen of cisplatin, doxorubicin, and alpha-2b interferon in the treatment of advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma: a Phase II multicenter trial of the Italian Group on Rare Tumors (GITR) and the Italian Lung Cancer Task Force (FONICAP)

BACKGROUND

The cisplatin-doxorubicin combination has shown moderate activity in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM; objective response, 25%), and preclinical studies suggest that interferons (IFNs) may have an antiproliferative effect on mesothelioma cell lines with a marked increase in cisplatin cytotoxicity. Therefore, the combined chemoimmunotherapy regimen is an worthwhile approach to evaluate in a Phase II trial.

METHODS

From December 1995 to June 1999, 37 previously untreated patients with MPM were treated with cisplatin 60 mg/m(2) intravenously on Day 1 plus doxorubicin 60 mg/m(2), recycled every 3-4 weeks and IFN-alpha-2b, 3 x 10((6)) international units subcutaneously 3 times a week for a total of 6 courses or until progression. Inclusion criteria were histologic diagnosis of MPM and measurable disease defined by computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients were assessable for toxicity and 35 for efficacy according to World Health Organization criteria. One hundred thirty-five courses were administered with a median of 4 cycles per patients. Seventy-six percent of patient presented at least 1 episode of severe myelosuppression (Grade 3 and 4). Severe anemia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 30% and 24% of patients, respectively. Sixty percent of patients presented constitutional symptoms. In the 35 patients assessable for response, the overall response rate was 29% (95% confidence interval, 15-47%). The median duration of response was 8.4 months. With a median follow-up of 19.6 months, the median survival was 9.3 months. One- and 2-year survival was 45% and 34%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This combined regimen has definite activity in MPM. However, toxicity, particularly myelosuppression and fatigue, is not negligible and may limit its application.

Human monocyte-derived dendritic cells produce bioactive gelatinase B: inhibition by IFN-beta

We studied the secretion of gelatinase B by dendritic cells (DC) generated by culturing human peripheral blood monocytes in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4). First, we found the intracellular expression of gelatinase B on sections of fixed DC pellets. Zymography analysis of the supernatants of DC cultured for 72 h demonstrated the presence of gelatinase B. To determine if DC produce net enzymatic activity, bioactive gelatinase, a novel sensitive fluorescent-activated substrate conversion (FASC) assay was used to complement the zymography data. Culture media of unstimulated DC demonstrated reproducible net gelatinolytic activity. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) IL-1beta but not lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation caused a significant increase in gelatinase B production in zymography analysis. Both types of stimulation failed to increase net gelatinase activity in FASC assay. Interestingly, interferon-beta (IFN-beta) significantly diminished both the total zymolytic production and the net bioactive gelatinase produced by DC in a dose-dependent manner. We conclude that human monocyte-derived DC secrete bioactive gelatinase B and that IFN-beta inhibits this production.

Inhibition of angiogenesis and vascular tumor growth by interferon-producing cells: A gene therapy approach

We developed an in vivo gene therapy approach to characterize and optimize the anti-angiogenic activity of class I interferons (IFNs), using packaging cell lines producing an amphotropic LXSN-based retrovirus expressing either IFN-alpha1 (alpha1Am12), IFN-beta (betaAm12) murine cDNAs, or the vector alone (neoAm12). Pretreatment of endothelial-like Eahy926 cells in vitro with conditioned media (CM) from alpha1Am12 or betaAm12 cells for 48 hours significantly inhibited their migration and invasion as compared to neoAm12-CM-treated cells. betaAm12-CM also inhibited the formation of capillary-like structures on Matrigel by EAhy926 cells. In vivo, inclusion of the betaAm12 cells strongly inhibited, and alpha1Am12 partially inhibited, the angiogenic response in the Matrigel sponge model in both immune-competent and athymic nude mice. Electron microscopy showed a reduction of host cell infiltration in alpha1Am12- and betaAm12-containing sponges and reduction of invading tubular clefts of host cells as compared to controls. Finally, inoculation of either alpha1Am12 or betaAm12 cells (10%) along with a highly angiogenic Kaposi's sarcoma cell line (90%) resulted in a powerful reduction of tumor growth in nude mice in vivo, as did infection with the interferon-alpha-producing retroviruses. These data suggest that a gene therapy approach using class I interferons can effectively inhibit tumor angiogenesis and growth of vascular tumors.

Inhibition of haematogenous metastasis of colon cancer in mice by a selective COX-2 inhibitor, JTE-522

It is proposed that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce colorectal tumorigenesis by inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX). COX is a key enzyme in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins and two isoforms of COX have been characterized, COX-1 and COX-2. Multiple studies have shown that COX-2 is expressed at high levels in colorectal tumours and play a role in colorectal tumorigenesis. Recently it has been reported that selective inhibition of COX-2 inhibits colon cancer cell growth. In this study we investigated the effect of a selective COX-2 inhibitor (JTE-522) on haematogenous metastasis of colon cancer. For this purpose, we selected a murine colon cancer cell line, colon-26, that constitutively expresses the COX-2 protein. The subclone P expressed a high level of COX-2 and the subclone 5 expressed a low level. The colon-26 subclones were injected into the tail vein of BALB/c mice. JTE-522 was given intraperitoneally every day from the day prior to cancer cell injection, and the mice were sacrificed 16 days after cell injection. Lung metastases were compared between groups with and without JTE-522. In the mice injected with subclone P, the number of lung metastatic nodules was significantly reduced in the treated group. However, in the mice injected with subclone 5, there was little difference between the control and the treated groups. These results indicate that there may be a direct link between inhibition of haematogenous metastasis of colon cancer and selective inhibition of COX-2, and that selective COX-2 inhibitors may be a novel class of therapeutic agents not only for colorectal tumorigenesis but also for haematogenous metastasis of colon cancer.

Interferon (IFN)-beta gene transfer into TS/A adenocarcinoma cells and comparison with IFN-alpha: differential effects on tumorigenicity and host response

Our group had previously shown that transfer of the mouse interferon (IFN)-alpha1 gene into the metastasizing TS/A mammary adenocarcinoma resulted in T-cell-mediated tumor rejection and development of antitumor immunity. Moreover, we had shown that the metastatic ability of TS/A tumor cells producing IFN-alpha was strongly impaired, whereas IFN-gamma expression did not influence or augmented metastasis formation by TS/A cells. In this study, we have analyzed the in vitro and in vivo behavior of various TS/A tumor cell clones isolated after the transduction with a recombinant retroviral vector carrying the mouse IFN-beta gene. We have also compared the tumorigenicity of these clones with that of TS/A cells expressing IFN-alpha1. BALB/c mice were inoculated subcutaneously with parental TS/A cells, transduction control TS/A cells, or TS/A cells producing IFN-alpha or IFN-beta. Tumor growth was evaluated by the measurement of tumor masses and analysis of survival. The features of tumor growth and rejection were examined by histological and immunohistochemical analyses. The metastatic ability of parental TS/A cells, transduction control TS/A cells, or TS/A cells producing IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, or IFN-gamma was evaluated after intravenous injection of the tumor cells into BALB/c mice by counting of the lung metastatic nodules and analysis of survival. A strong inhibition of tumorigenicity and development of tumor immunity were observed upon subcutaneous injection of syngeneic mice with TS/A tumor cells producing high amounts of IFN-beta, but not with clones expressing low levels of the cytokine, as observed for cells expressing IFN-alpha. IFN-alpha secretion by TS/A cells at the site of tumor growth induced a stronger inflammatory response as compared with IFN-beta, which appeared to be more active in the inhibition of tumor-induced angiogenesis. Notably, the metastatic ability of IFN-beta-producing TS/A cells after intravenous injection was either not affected or only slightly impaired as compared with parental TS/A tumor cells. In contrast, even cells producing low levels of IFN-alpha proved to be poorly metastatic. These findings represent the first comparison of the effectiveness of IFN-alpha versus IFN-beta produced by genetically modified cells on their tumorigenic behavior and suggest the existence of some notable differences in the capabilities of these two cytokines to induce a host antitumor reactivity in mice.

Molecular regulation of UVB-induced cutaneous angiogenesis

We determined whether cutaneous angiogenesis induced by exposure of mice to ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation is associated with an imbalance between positive and negative angiogenesis-regulating molecules. Unshaved C3H/HeN mice were exposed to a single dose (15 kJ per m2) of UVB. At various times, the mice were killed, and their external ears were processed for routine histology and immunohistochemistry. Antibodies against proliferating cell nuclear antigen and bromodeoxyuridine identified dividing cells. Antibodies against CD31/ PECAM-1 identified endothelial cells, and antibodies against basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular permeability factor, and interferon-beta (IFN-beta) identified angiogenesis-regulating molecules. Epidermal hyperplasia was documented by 48 h and reached a maximum on day 7 after exposure to UVB. The expression of bFGF increased by 24 h, whereas the expression of IFN-beta decreased by 72 h after exposure to UVB. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular permeability factor increased slightly after irradiation. The altered balance between bFGF and IFN-beta was associated with increased endothelial cell proliferation (bromodeoxyuridine + CD31 + cells) within existing blood vessels, leading to telangiectasia and new blood vessels. UV-induced epidermal hyperplasia and cutaneous angiogenesis were highest in IFN-alpha/beta receptor knockout mice. These results demonstrate that in response to UVB radiation, dividing keratinocytes produce a positive angiogenic molecule (bFGF) but not a negative angiogenic molecule (IFN-beta), and that this altered balance is associated with enhanced cutaneous angiogenesis.

beta Interferon inhibits HIV-1 Tat-induced angiogenesis: synergism with 13-cis retinoic acid

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a highly angiogenic lesion which frequently presents as an aggressive form in HIV-infected male patients. We have previously shown that the HIV-1 Tat protein induces endothelial cell migration and invasion in vitro and a rapid angiogenic response in vivo, suggesting that it acts as a cofactor in epidemic KS. In this study we tested beta interferon (IFN beta) and retinoic acid (RA) for the inhibition of Tat-induced angiogenesis using in vivo and in vitro models. IFN beta, at a concentration above 2500 U/ml, was an effective inhibitor of Tat-stimulated growth, migration and morphogenesis of an endothelial cell line in vitro and of angiogenesis in vivo. A strong reduction of properties associated with neovascularisation was induced by 10,000 U/ml. In vivo, RA alone was on ineffective inhibitor of angiogenesis, and in vitro gave only a limited inhibition of endothelial cell growth. However, 13-cis RA used in combination with IFN beta impressively potentiated its effects. A combination of lower doses of IFN beta (2500 U/ml) and 13-cis RA induced a virtually complete inhibition of the Tat-related angiogenic phenotype both in vivo and in vitro. The potentiation of the anti-angiogenic activity of IFN beta by 13-cis RA suggests that this combination could be a useful approach for the therapy of epidemic KS.

Human recombinant interferon-beta influences T helper subset differentiation by regulating cytokine secretion pattern and expression of homing receptors

Type I interferons (IFN) are important regulators of both innate and acquired immunity. We have used an in vitro system of human CD4+ T cell differentiation to determine how IFN-beta influences development of T helper (Th) subsets and homing receptor expression. IFN-beta promoted differentiation of CD4+ T cells that produce low levels of both IFN-gamma and lymphotoxin compared to interleukin (IL)-12-derived Th1 CD4+ T cells. IFN-beta inhibited production of Th2 cytokines (IL-5 and IL-13) and augmented IL-12-mediated IL-10 secretion. In addition, IFN-beta significantly enhanced L-selection expression on CD4+ T cells and synergized with IL-12 to induce expression of cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA). This Th1 L-selectin+, CLA+ phenotype is characteristic of T cells found in normal human skin and suggests a role for type I IFN in the regulation of Th subset differentiation and tissue-specific homing receptors.

Interferon beta-1b decreases the migration of T lymphocytes in vitro: effects on matrix metalloproteinase-9

In multiple sclerosis (MS), the influx of activated T lymphocytes into the brain parenchyma leads to the subsequent damage of oligodendrocytes, the cells that produce central nervous system (CNS) myelin. We report here that interferon beta-1b (IFNbeta-1b), a drug shown to be efficacious in the treatment of patients with MS, decreases the in vitro migration of activated T lymphocytes through fibronectin (FN), a major component of the basement membrane that surrounds cerebral endothelium. At 1,000 IU/ml, IFNbeta-1b reduced the migratory rate to that of unactivated T cells. In contrast, IFNgamma at 1,000 IU/ml, which caused a similar decrease (25%) in the proliferation rate of T lymphocytes as IFNbeta-1b, did not affect migration. All T-lymphocyte subsets and natural killer (NK) cells were demonstrated by flow cytometry to be equally affected by IFNbeta-1b treatment. 125I-Western blot analyses revealed that IFNbeta-1b treatment resulted in a marked reduction of the ability of T cells to cleave FN. The substrate-degrading capability of T lymphocytes was shown to be due predominantly to the activity of a 92-kd matrix metalloproteinase, MMP-9, whose levels were decreased by IFNbeta-1b. We suggest that the clinical benefits of IFNbeta-1b treatment in MS patients may be in part a result of the ability of this drug to significantly decrease MMP-9 activity, leading to a reduction of T-lymphocyte infiltration into the CNS.