Potential anti-tumor effect of IFN-λ2 (IL-28A) against human lung cancer cells

HPV16 infection promotes the malignant transformation of the esophagus and progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) may be correlated with HPV infection, and the mechanism underlying the ESCC formation induced by HPV16 infection remains elusive. Here, we overexpressed HPV16 E6 and E7 and coordinated the overexpression of these two genes in EPC2 and ESCC cells. We found that E7 and coordinated expression of E6 and E7 promoted the proliferation of EPC2 cells, and upregulation of shh was responsible for cell proliferation since the use of vismodegib led to the failure of organoid formation. Meanwhile, overexpression of E6 and E7 in ESCC cells promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Importantly, E6 and E7 coordinately increased the capability of tumor growth in nude mice, while vismodegib slowed the growth of tumors in NCG mice. Moreover, a series of genes and proteins changed in cell lines after overexpression of the E6 and E7 genes, the potential biological processes and pathways were systematically analyzed using a bioinformatics assay. Together, these findings suggest that the activation of the hedgehog pathway induced by HPV16 infection may initially transform basal cells in the esophagus and promote following malignant processes in ESCC cells. The application of hedgehog inhibitors may represent a therapeutic avenue for ESCC treatment.

Portraying the dark side of endogenous IFN-λ for promoting cancer progression and immunoevasion in pan-cancer

BACKGROUND

IFN-λ has been shown to have a dual function in cancer, with its tumor-suppressive roles being well-established. However, the potential existence of a negative ''tumor-promoting'' effect of endogenous IFN-λ is still not fully understood.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive review and analysis of the perturbation of IFN-λ genes across various cancer types. Correlation coefficients were utilized to examine the relationship between endogenous IFN-λ expression and clinical factors, immune cell infiltration, tumor microenvironment, and response to immunotherapy. Genes working together with IFN-λ were obtained by constructing the correlation-based network related to IFN-λ and the gene interaction network in the KEGG pathway and IFN-λ-related genes obtained from the networks were integrated as candidate markers for the prognosis model. We then applied univariate and multivariate COX regression models to select cancer-specific independent prognostic markers associated with IFN-λ and to investigate risk factors for these genes by survival analysis. Additionally, computational methods were used to analyze the transcriptome, copy number variations, genetic mutations, and methylation of IFN-λ-related patient groups.

RESULT

Endogenous expression of IFN-λ has been linked to poor prognosis in cancer patients, with the genes IFN-λ2 and IFN-λ3 serving as independent prognostic markers. IFN-λ acts in conjunction with related genes such as STAT1, STAT2, and STAT3 to affect the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which promotes tumor progression. Abnormalities in IFN-λ genes are associated with changes in immune checkpoints and immune cell infiltration, which in turn affects cancer- and immune-related pathways. While there is increased immune cell infiltration in patients with IFN-λ expression, this does not improve survival prognosis, as T-cell dysfunction and an inflammatory environment are also present. The amplification of IFNL2 and IFNL3 copy number variants drives specific endogenous expression of IFN-λ in patients, and those with this specific expression have been found to have more mutations in the TP53 gene and lower levels of DNA methylation.

CONCLUSION

Our study integrated multi-omics data to provide a comprehensive insight into the dark side of endogenous IFN-λ, providing a fundamental resource for further discovery and therapeutic exploration in cancer.

Enhanced soluble expression of active recombinant human interleukin-29 using champion pET SUMO system

Current research focuses on the soluble and high-level expression of biologically active recombinant human IL-29 protein in Escherichia coli. The codon-optimized IL-29 gene was cloned into the Champion™ pET SUMO expression system downstream of the SUMO tag under the influence of the T7 lac promoter. The expression of SUMO-fused IL-29 protein was compared in E. coli Rosetta 2(DE3), Rosetta 2(DE3) pLysS, and Rosetta-gami 2(DE3). The release of the SUMO fusion partner resulted in approximately 98 mg of native rhIL-29 protein with a purity of 99% from 1 l of fermentation culture. Purified rhIL-29 was found to be biologically active, as evaluated by its anti-proliferation assay. It was found that Champion™ pET SUMO expression system can be used to obtained high yield of biologically active soluble recombinant human protein compared to other expression vector.

PD-L1 and PD-L2 immune checkpoint protein induction by type III interferon in non-small cell lung cancer cells

INTRODUCTION

Despite the clinical success of PD-1/PD-1-ligand immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the appearance of primary and acquired therapy resistance is a major challenge reflecting that the mechanisms regulating the expression of the PD-1-ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 are not fully explored. Type I and II interferons (IFNs) induce PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression. Here, we examined if PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression also can be induced by type III IFN, IFN-λ, which is peculiarly important for airway epithelial surfaces.

METHODS

In silico mRNA expression analysis of PD-L1 (CD274), PD-L2 (PDCD1LG2), and IFN- λ signaling signature genes in NSCLC tumors and cell lines was performed using RNA sequencing expression data from TCGA, OncoSG, and DepMap portals. IFN-λ-mediated induction of PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression in NSCLC cell lines was examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

IFNL genes encoding IFN- λ variants are expressed in the majority of NSCLC tumors and cell lines along with the IFNLR1 and IL10R2 genes encoding the IFN-λ receptor subunits. The expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 mRNA is higher in NSCLC tumors with IFNL mRNA expression compared to tumors without IFNL expression. In the NSCLC cell line HCC827, stimulation with IFN-λ induced both an increase in PD-L1 and PD-L2 mRNA expression and cell surface abundance of the corresponding proteins. In the NSCLC cell line A427, displaying a low basal expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 mRNA and corresponding proteins, stimulation with IFN-λ resulted in an induction of the former.

CONCLUSION

The type III IFN, IFN- λ, is capable of inducing PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression, at least in some NSCLC cells, and this regulation will need acknowledgment in the development of new diagnostic procedures, such as gene expression signature profiles, to improve PD-1/PD-1-ligand immunotherapy in NSCLC.

Possible biological mechanisms of entecavir versus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate on reducing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a life-threatening infectious virus associated with the risk of liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Regarding HBV treatment, the recent development of nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NUC), HBV reverse transcriptase inhibitors, enabled favorable viral control as well as improved prognosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. However, NUC fails to clear HBV because the formation of covalently closed circular DNA or HBV surface antigen occurs upstream of the point of action of NUC. Recently, we found that acyclic nucleoside phosphonates (ANP) such as adefovir or tenofovir, but not lamivudine or entecavir, induced IFN-λ3 productions in the gastrointestinal tract and modulated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated cytokine profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, such as interleukin (IL)-12p70 induction and IL-10 inhibition, which are immunologically favorable cytokine profiles for HBV elimination. Furthermore, IFN-α, in combination with ANP, showed additional and synergistic effects on IFN-λ3 and IL-12p70 production, respectively, while not affecting IL-10 levels. Mechanistic analyses of the cytokine modulation by ANP revealed that ANP blocked the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway by inhibiting Akt translocation to the plasma membrane, thereby inhibiting Akt phosphorylation. As it has been reported that IFN-λ inhibits tumor growth directly or indirectly and the mTOR pathway is generally activated in most cancer cells, ANP might have potential anti-HCC effects. Our in vitro and ex vivo findings might stir the debate on whether types of NUC affect the risk of HBV-related HCC incidence.

Pathogenicity of Type I Interferons in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of mortality due to infectious disease and rates have increased during the emergence of COVID-19, but many of the factors determining disease severity and progression remain unclear. Type I Interferons (IFNs) have diverse effector functions that regulate innate and adaptive immunity during infection with microorganisms. There is well-documented literature on type I IFNs providing host defense against viruses; however, in this review, we explore the growing body of work that indicates high levels of type I IFNs can have detrimental effects to a host fighting TB infection. We report findings that increased type I IFNs can affect alveolar macrophage and myeloid function, promote pathological neutrophil extracellular trap responses, inhibit production of protective prostaglandin 2, and promote cytosolic cyclic GMP synthase inflammation pathways, and discuss many other relevant findings.

IL-28B reprograms tumor-associated macrophages to promote anti-tumor effects in colon cancer

The type III interferon family (IFN-III), including IFN-λ3 [interleukin (IL)-28B], has antiviral, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory activities. Although the IL-28B anti-tumor effect has been extensively explored, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we explored IL-28B effects on colon cancer. Our results show that IL-28B significantly inhibits colon cancer progression in a mouse MC38 tumor cell colonization model and colitis-associated colorectal tumor model. Interestingly, IL-28B does not directly promote apoptosis or inhibit MC38 tumor cell proliferation in vitro. Rather, IL-28B treatment has indirect anti-tumor activity by downregulating tumor-associated macrophages. Furthermore, IL-28B inhibits M2 macrophage polarization in vitro, while also halting M2 macrophage differentiation predominantly via inhibition of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways. Our findings revealed that IL-28B inhibits M2 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment to delay colon cancer progression. These findings provide novel evidence of IL-28B anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities.

Transcriptome analysis of the early stage ifnlr1-mutant zebrafish indicates the immune response to auditory dysfunction

BACKGROUND

IFNLR1 has been recently identified to be related to autosomal dominant nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss (ADNSHL). It is reported to be expressed in the inner ear of mice and the lateral line of zebrafish. However, it remains unclear how defects in this gene lead to hearing loss.

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the global gene expression changes in zebrafish when the expression of ifnlr1 is downregulated.

METHODS

Transcriptome analysis was performed on ifnlr1 morpholino knockdown zebrafish and the control zebrafish using RNA-seq technology.

RESULTS

The results show that 262 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were up-regulated while 146 DEGs were down-regulated in the E4I4-Mo zebrafish larvae compared to the control-Mo. Six pathways were significantly enriched, including steroid biosynthesis pathway, adipocytokine signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway, p53 signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathway. Among them, three pathways (steroid biosynthesis pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway and p53 signaling pathway) are immune-associated.

CONCLUSIONS

The transcriptome analysis results contribute to the groundwork for future research on the pathogenesis of IFNLR1-associated hearing loss.

Mutation in Irf8 Gene (Irf8R294C ) Impairs Type I IFN-Mediated Antiviral Immune Response by Murine pDCs

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are the key producers of type I interferons (IFNs), thus playing a central role in initiating antiviral immune response. Besides robust type I IFN production, pDCs also act as antigen presenting cells post immunogenic stimulation. Transcription factor Irf8 is indispensable for the development of both pDC and cDC1 subset. However, the mechanism underlying the differential regulation by IRF8 in cDC1- and pDC-specific genomic architecture of developmental pathways still remains to be fully elucidated. Previous studies indicated that the Irf8^R294C mutation specifically abrogates development of cDC1 without affecting that of pDC. In the present study using RNA-seq based approach, we have found that though the point mutation Irf8^R294C did not affect pDC development, it led to defective type I IFN production, thus resulting in inefficient antiviral response. This observation unraveled the distinctive roles of IRF8 in these two subpopulations—regulating the development of cDC1 whereas modulating the functionality of pDCs without affecting development. We have reported here that Irf8^R294C mutation also caused defect in production of ISGs as well as defective upregulation of costimulatory molecules in pDCs in response to NDV infection (or CpG stimulation). Through in vivo studies, we demonstrated that abrogation of type I IFN production was concomitant with reduced upregulation of costimulatory molecules in pDCs and increased NDV burden in IRF8^R294C mice in comparison with wild type, indicating inefficient viral clearance. Further, we have also shown that Irf8^R294C mutation abolished the activation of type I IFN promoter by IRF8, justifying the low level of type I IFN production. Taken together, our study signifies that the single point mutation in Irf8, Irf8^R294C severely compromised type I IFN-mediated immune response by murine pDCs, thereby causing impairment in antiviral immunity.

Double-edged effects of interferons on the regulation of cancer-immunity cycle

Interferons (IFNs) are a large family of pleiotropic cytokines that regulate both innate and adaptive immunity and show anti-cancer effects in various cancer types. Moreover, it was revealed that IFN signaling plays critical roles in the success of cancer therapy strategies, thereby enhancing their therapeutic effects. However, IFNs have minimal or even adverse effects on cancer eradication, and mediate cancer immune escape in some instances. Thus, IFNs have a double-edged effect on the cancer immune response. Recent studies suggest that IFNs regulate each step of the cancer immunity-cycle, consisting of cancer antigen release, presentation of antigens and activation of T cells, trafficking and infiltration of effector T cells into the tumor microenvironment, and recognition and killing of cancer cells, which contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms of IFNs in regulating cancer immunity. In this review, we focus on IFNs and cancer immunity and elaborate on the roles of IFNs in regulating the cancer-immunity cycle.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived interleukin-28 drives the selection of apoptosis resistant bone metastatic prostate cancer

Bone metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) promotes mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) recruitment and their differentiation into osteoblasts. However, the effects of bone-marrow derived MSCs on PCa cells are less explored. Here, we report MSC-derived interleukin-28 (IL-28) triggers prostate cancer cell apoptosis via IL-28 receptor alpha (IL-28Rα)-STAT1 signaling. However, chronic exposure to MSCs drives the selection of prostate cancer cells that are resistant to IL-28-induced apoptosis and therapeutics such as docetaxel. Further, MSC-selected/IL-28-resistant prostate cancer cells grow at accelerated rates in bone. Acquired resistance to apoptosis is PCa cell intrinsic, and is associated with a shift in IL-28Rα signaling via STAT1 to STAT3. Notably, STAT3 ablation or inhibition impairs MSC-selected prostate cancer cell growth and survival. Thus, bone marrow MSCs drive the emergence of therapy-resistant bone metastatic prostate cancer yet this can be disabled by targeting STAT3.

Modulation of CD4 T Cell Response According to Tumor Cytokine Microenvironment

The advancement of knowledge on tumor biology over the past decades has demonstrated a close link between tumor cells and cells of the immune system. In this context, cytokines have a major role because they act as intermediaries in the communication into the tumor bed. Cytokines play an important role in the homeostasis of innate and adaptive immunity. In particular, they participate in the differentiation of CD4 T lymphocytes. These cells play essential functions in the anti-tumor immune response but can also be corrupted by tumors. The differentiation of naïve CD4 T cells depends on the cytokine environment in which they are activated. Additionally, at the tumor site, their activity can also be modulated according to the cytokines of the tumor microenvironment. Thus, polarized CD4 T lymphocytes can see their phenotype evolve, demonstrating functional plasticity. Knowledge of the impact of these cytokines on the functions of CD4 T cells is currently a source of innovation, for therapeutic purposes. In this review, we discuss the impact of the major cytokines present in tumors on CD4 T cells. In addition, we summarize the main therapeutic strategies that can modulate the CD4 response through their impact on cytokine production.

Interferons: role in cancer therapy

Interferons (IFNs) are a group of signaling cytokines, secreted by host cells to induce protection against various disorders. IFNs can directly impact on tumor cells or indirectly induce the immune system to protect host cells. The expression levels of IFNs and its functions of are excellently modulated in a way to protect host cells from probable toxicities caused by extreme responses. The efficacy of anticancer therapies is correlated to IFNs signaling. Although IFN signaling is involved in induction of antitumor responses, chronic stimulation of the IFN signaling pathway can induce resistance to various antineoplasm therapies. Hence, IFNs are expressed by both cancer and immune cells, and modulate their biological function. Understanding this mechanism of action might be a key target of combination therapies.

Shared and Distinct Functions of Type I and Type III Interferons

Type I interferons (IFNs) (IFN-α, IFN-β) and type III IFNs (IFN-λ) share many properties, including induction by viral infection, activation of shared signaling pathways, and transcriptional programs. However, recent discoveries have revealed context-specific functional differences. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of type I and type III IFN activities, highlighting shared and distinct features from molecular mechanisms through physiological responses. Beyond discussing canonical antiviral functions, we consider the adaptive immune priming, anti-tumor, and autoimmune functions of IFNs. We discuss a model wherein type III IFNs serve as a front-line defense that controls infection at epithelial barriers while minimizing damaging inflammatory responses, reserving the more potent type I IFN response for when local responses are insufficient. In this context, we discuss current therapeutic applications targeting these cytokine pathways and highlight gaps in understanding of the biology of type I and type III IFNs in health and disease.

Therapeutic efficacy of anti-MMP9 antibody in combination with nab-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy in pre-clinical models of pancreatic cancer

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is involved in the proteolysis of extracellular proteins and plays a critical role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression, invasion and metastasis. The therapeutic potential of an anti‐MMP9 antibody (αMMP9) was evaluated in combination with nab‐paclitaxel (NPT)‐based standard cytotoxic therapy in pre‐clinical models of PDAC. Tumour progression and survival studies were performed in NOD/SCID mice. The mechanistic evaluation involved RNA‐Seq, Luminex, IHC and Immunoblot analyses of tumour samples. Median animal survival compared to controls was significantly increased after 2‐week therapy with NPT (59%), Gem (29%) and NPT+Gem (76%). Addition of αMMP9 antibody exhibited further extension in survival: NPT+αMMP9 (76%), Gem+αMMP9 (47%) and NPT+Gem+αMMP9 (94%). Six‐week maintenance therapy revealed that median animal survival was significantly increased after NPT+Gem (186%) and further improved by the addition of αMMP9 antibody (218%). Qualitative assessment of mice exhibited that αMMP9 therapy led to a reduction in jaundice, bloody ascites and metastatic burden. Anti‐MMP9 antibody increased the levels of tumour‐associated IL‐28 (1.5‐fold) and decreased stromal markers (collagen I, αSMA) and the EMT marker vimentin. Subcutaneous tumours revealed low but detectable levels of MMP9 in all therapy groups but no difference in MMP9 expression. Anti‐MMP9 antibody monotherapy resulted in more gene expression changes in the mouse stroma compared to the human tumour compartment. These findings suggest that anti‐MMP9 antibody can exert specific stroma‐directed effects that could be exploited in combination with currently used cytotoxics to improve clinical PDAC therapy.

Interferon lambda 3/4 polymorphisms are associated with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Kaposi's sarcoma, the most common AIDS-related cancer, represents a major public concern in resource-limited countries. Single nucleotide polymorphisms within the Interferon lambda 3/4 region (IFNL3/4) determine the expression, function of IFNL4, and influence the clinical course of an increasing number of viral infections.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze whether IFNL3/4 variants are associated with susceptibility to AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma among MSM enrolled in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS).

METHODS

The risk of developing Kaposi's sarcoma according to the carriage of IFNL3/4 SNPs rs8099917 and rs12980275 and their haplotypic combinations was assessed by using cumulative incidence curves and Cox regression models, accounting for relevant covariables.

RESULTS

Kaposi's sarcoma was diagnosed in 221 of 2558 MSM Caucasian SHCS participants. Both rs12980275 and rs8099917 were associated with an increased risk of Kaposi's sarcoma (cumulative incidence 15 versus 10%, P = 0.01 and 16 versus 10%, P = 0.009, respectively). Diplotypes predicted to produce the active P70 form (cumulative incidence 16 versus 10%, P = 0.01) but not the less active S70 (cumulative incidence 11 versus 10%, P = 0.7) form of IFNL4 were associated with an increased risk of Kaposi's sarcoma, compared with those predicted not to produce IFNL4. The associations remained significant in a multivariate Cox regression model after adjustment for age at infection, combination antiretroviral therapy, median CD4+ T-cell count nadir and CD4+ slopes (hazard ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.06-1.89, P = 0.02 for IFLN P70 versus no IFNL4).

CONCLUSION

This study reports for the first time an association between IFNL3/4 polymorphisms and susceptibility to AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

Comprehensive analysis of lncRNAs microarray profile and mRNA-lncRNA co-expression in oncogenic HPV-positive cervical cancer cell lines

Long non-coding RNAs are emerging to be novel regulators in gene expression. In current study, lncRNAs microarray and lncRNA-mRNA co-expression analysis were performed to explore the alternation and function of lncRNAs in cervical cancer cells. We identified that 4750 lncRNAs (15.52%) were differentially expressed in SiHa (HPV-16 positive) (2127 up-regulated and 2623 down-regulated) compared with C-33A (HPV negative), while 5026 lncRNAs (16.43%) were differentially expressed in HeLa (HPV-18 positive) (2218 up-regulated and 2808 down-regulated) respectively. There were 5008 mRNAs differentially expressed in SiHa and 4993 in HeLa, which were all cataloged by GO terms and KEGG pathway. With the help of mRNA-lncRNA co-expression network, we found that ENST00000503812 was significantly negative correlated with RAD51B and IL-28A expression in SiHa, while ENST00000420168, ENST00000564977 and TCONS_00010232 had significant correlation with FOXQ1 and CASP3 expression in HeLa. Up-regulation of ENST00000503812 may inhibit RAD51B and IL-28A expression and result in deficiency of DNA repair pathway and immune responses in HPV-16 positive cervical cancer cell. Up-regulation of ENST00000420168, ENST00000564977 and down-regulation of TCONS_00010232 might stimulate FOXQ1 expression and suppress CASP3 expression in HPV-18 positive cervical cancer cell, which lead to HPV-induced proliferation and deficiency in apoptosis. These results indicate that changes of lncRNAs and related mRNAs might impact on several cellular pathways and involve in HPV-induced proliferation, which enriches our understanding of lncRNAs and coding transcripts anticipated in HPV oncogenesis of cervical cancer.

The antitumour effects of eudesmin on lung cancer by inducing apoptosis via mitochondria-mediated pathway in the tumour cells

CONTEXT

Limonoids possess broad range of biological activities, including antitumour, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, etc. Eudesmin (EDN) is a type of limonoid which also possesses various activities. However, there is no report on the antitumour lung cancer (LC) activities of this compound.

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigates the antitumour effects of EDN and its potential molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vitro antitumour effects of EDN on LC A549 cells were evaluated by using MTT assay. The in vivo antitumour effects were investigated on a xenograft athymic nude mouse model. The mice were administered orally with EDN (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) once daily for 28 days. Effects of EDN on apoptosis-related or signalling proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, P53, Akt and JNK) were assayed by western blot analysis.

RESULTS

EDN showed significant inhibitory effects on the growth of LC A549 cells in vitro with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 18.3 μM. By treating with EDN (10, 20 and 40 μM), expression of caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax, P53 and phosphorylated JNK in A549 cells were significantly upregulated, whereas expression of Bcl-2 and Akt phosphorylation were significantly down-regulated. Interestingly, EDN-induced apoptosis could be attenuated by JNK inhibitor. In addition, in vivo experiments also indicated EDN (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) had significant antitumour effects (p < 0.01) on nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the results indicated that EDN possesses significant antitumour effects on LC and the possible mechanism might be related to induction of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.

Anti-tumor immunity elicited by direct intratumoral administration of a recombinant adenovirus expressing either IL-28A/IFN-λ2 or IL-29/IFN-λ1

Interleukin (IL)-28A/interferon (IFN)-λ2 and IL-29/IFN-λ1 have been demonstrated to elicit direct and indirect anti-tumor actions. In this study, we constructed an adenovirus vector expressing either IL-28A/IFN-λ2 (AdIL-28A) or IL-29/IFN-λ1 (AdIL-29) to evaluate the therapeutic properties of intratumoral injection of recombinant adenovirus to apply for the clinical implementation of cancer gene therapy. Despite the lack of an anti-proliferative effect on MCA205 and B16-F10 cells, a retarded growth of established subcutaneous tumors was observed following multiple injections of either AdIL-28A or AdIL-29 when compared with AdNull. In vivo cell depletion experiments displayed that both NK cells and CD8(+) T cells have a major role in AdIL-28A-mediated tumor growth suppression. A significant increase in the number of infiltrating CD8(+) T cells into the tumors treated with either AdIL-28A or AdIL-29 was observed. Moreover, specific anti-tumor cytotoxic T lymphocyte reactivity was detected in spleen cells from animals treated with either AdIL-28A or AdIL-29. In IFN-γ-deficient mice, anti-tumor activities of AdIL-28A were completely impaired, indicating that IFN-γ is critically involved in the tumor growth inhibition triggered by AdIL-28A. IL-12 provided a synergistic anti-tumor effect when combined with AdIL-28A. These results indicate that AdIL-28A and AdIL-29 could be successfully utilized as an alternative cancer immunogene therapy.

IFNs-signaling effects on lung cancer: an up-to-date pathways-specific review

IFNs have found important applications in clinical medicine, including the treatment of lung malignancies. The biological effect of the IFN-receptor signaling is regulated essentially by three factors: the expression profile of the IFN itself, the profile of the receptor, and the expression of target genes. IFNs initiate their signaling by binding to specific receptors. The activated IFNs can directly induce gene transcription and/or multiple downstream signaling that both induce diverse cellular responses including the cell cycle arrest and the apoptosis in tumor cells. We provided evidence that IFN-γ enhances the pro cell death effects of Fas/CD95 in human neoplastic alveolar epithelial cell line, A549. We also found that p27 protein plays a pivotal role in the inducing cell death of IFNγ-CH-11-treated A549 cells, since it is involved in the Ras/Raf signaling pathway. This article discusses recent insights into these possible additional functions of IFNs in lung cancer treatment.

IFN-λ cancer immunotherapy: new kid on the block

Interferon-lambda (IFN-λ) is a new IFN type, related to IFN-α, that is commonly used in the clinic. However, significant side effects accompanying IFN-α treatment limit enthusiasm for IFN-α. In this review, we discuss the current landscape of IFN-α use in oncology and describe the biologic characteristics of IFN-λ. IFN-λ offers unique advantages, including a more tumor cell selective targeting, lower off-target binding and an ability to generate both innate and adaptive immune responses. IFN-λ has also demonstrated therapeutic benefit in murine cancer models. IFN-λ may be used in clinic as a single agent or in combination with other immunotherapy agents, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Further clinical trials will be needed to fully elucidate the potential of this novel agent in oncology.

Altered Expression of IFN-λ2 in Allergic Airway Disorders and Identification of Its Cell Origins

This study investigated the expression levels of interferon- (IFN-) λ2 in peripheral blood and tissues. The results showed that the levels of IFN-λ2 were elevated by 17.9% and 14.2% in the plasma of allergic rhinitis (AR) and combined rhinitis with asthma (AR + AS), which was positively correlated with the level of tryptase but negatively correlated with the level of IL-10. IFN-λ2 was predominately expressed in the CD16+ cells and CD14+ cells in healthy control subjects (HC) but upregulated only in CD8+ cells of AR and in eosinophils of asthma. It was observed that approximately 6.6% and 7.0% dispersed tonsil cells and 5.8% and 0.44% dispersed lung cells are IFN-λ2+ mast cells and macrophages. Moreover, tryptase and agonist peptides of PAR-2 induced enhanced IFN-λ2 mRNA expression in A549 cells. In conclusion, the elevated levels of IFN-λ2 in the plasma of AR and AR + AS indicate that IFN-λ2 is likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of allergic airway disorders. The potential origins of the elevated plasma IFN-λ2 include mast cells, macrophages, and epithelial cells in tissues, neutrophils, monocytes, CD8+ T cells, and eosinophils in peripheral blood. Development of IFN-λ2 related therapy may help to treat or prevent allergic airway disorders.

Interleukin-28B Plays a Therapeutic Role on Mouse U14 Cervical Cancer Cells by Down-Regulating CD4+CD25+FoxP3+Regulatory T Cells In Vivo

AIM

To investigate the immunotherapeutic effectiveness of adenoviral vector expressing mouse interleukin (IL)-28B (Ad-mIL-28B) against cervical cancer and its mechanism.

METHOD

U14 cervical cancer cell-bearing mice were treated with Ad-mIL-28B. Meanwhile, whole cell vaccine was prepared by repeated freezing and thawing U14 cells. Then CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺regulatory T (Treg) cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Tumor volume and metastasis in BALB/c and C57BL/6j mice were detected.

RESULTS

Ad-mIL-28B treatment significantly decreased the number of CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺Treg cells. Subsequently, there was a significant decrease in the size of tumor tissue and the numbers of heteromorphic tumor cells. The tumor metastasis in the lung and liver of the Ad-mIL-28B group also decreased. However, there was no therapeutic effect observed for whole cell vaccine on U14 tumor-bearing mice.

CONCLUSION

Interleukin-28B can inhibit the growth and metastasis of cervical cancer in U14 tumor-bearing mice by down-regulating Treg cells.

Type I, II, and III Interferons: Regulating Immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection

Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens or tumor cells. The aim of this review was to present the previously known and new findings about the role of interferons type I and II, and recently discovered type III in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) infection control. Infection of various cell types with M. tuberculosis induce both IFN-α and IFN-β synthesis. The majority of the studies support the findings that IFN type I actually promotes infection with M. tuberculosis. It has been well establish that IFN-γ has protective function against M. tuberculosis and the other mycobacteria and that the primary source of this cytokine are CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Recently, it has been shown that also the innate lymphocytes, γδ T cells, natural killer (NK) T cells, and NK cells can also be the source of IFN-γ in response to mycobacterial infection. Several studies have shown that CD4(+) T cells protect mice against M. tuberculosis independently of IFN-γ. The balance between IFN-γ and different cytokines such as IL-10 and other Th2 cell cytokines is likely to influence disease outcome. Type I IFN appears to be detrimental through at least three separate, but overlapping, type I IFN-mediated mechanisms: induction of excessive apoptosis, specific suppression of Th1 and IFN-γ responses, and dampening of the immune response by strong IL-10 induction. Recently it has been found that M. tuberculosis infection in A549 lung epithelial cells stimulate up-regulation of IFN-λ genes in vitro. IFN-λs also have a role in modulation of Th1/Th2 response. IFN-λs are not essential for M. tuberculosis infection control, but can give some contribution in immune response to this pathogen.

Increased expression of IL-28RA mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disease with a strong genetic contribution and characterized by kinds of immune reactions. Our previous genome-wide association studies have identified IL-28RA as a susceptibility gene for SLE. In this study, we performed a quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 62 patients with SLE and 69 controls to investigate the different expression levels of IL-28RA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SLE patients and healthy controls and the association between IL-28RA expression and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) or the variant of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4649203. The expression levels of IL-28RA messenger RNA (mRNA) in SLE patients were significantly increased compared with those of healthy controls. In addition, there were also significant differences in the expression levels of IL-28RA between active (SLEDAI ≥ 6) or inactive (SLEDAI < 6) SLE groups and healthy controls. However, no correlation was observed between IL-28RA mRNA expression level and SLEDAI. There was no association between the variant of the SNP rs4649203 and IL-28RA mRNA expression levels neither. These results indicated that expression of IL-28RA mRNA may be correlated with the pathogenesis of SLE.

Investigations of interferon-lambda for the treatment of cancer

Interferon-lambda (IFN-λ), a recently discovered cytokine, overlaps broadly with type I IFN signaling, producing antiviral, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic responses. In comparison to type I IFNs, IFN-λ has a limited spectrum of responsive tissues due to variation in expression of the IFN-λ receptor IFNLR1. Type I IFNs have been investigated for their antitumor effects and used in the clinical setting for a number of different cancers. Given the overlap in signaling and function between IFN-λ and type I IFNs, IFN-λ has also drawn interest for the treatment of cancer. To date, a number of studies using both murine and human models of cancer have investigated the antitumor effects of IFN-λ. These studies have found that IFN-λ is capable of directly targeting cancer cells to reduce their tumorigenicity, induce cell cycle arrest, and cause apoptosis. In addition, IFN-λ has been shown to have indirect effects against cancer cells through immune system responses and immune modulatory effects. This review aims to detail the findings of studies investigating IFN-λ for the treatment of cancer as well as suggest areas of potential interest for future studies.

The Role of Interferon-λ Locus Polymorphisms in Hepatitis C and Other Infectious Diseases

Since its discovery in 2003, the type III interferon-λ (IFN-λ) family has been found to contribute significantly to the host response to infection. Whilst IFN-λ shares many features with type I IFN induction and signalling pathways, the tissue-specific restricted expression of its receptor, IL28RA, makes IFN-λ a major mediator of host innate immunity in tissues and organs with a high epithelial cell content. Host susceptibility and responses to infection are known to be heterogeneous, and the identification of common genetic variants linked to disease outcome by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has underscored the significance of host polymorphisms in responses to infection. Several such GWAS have highlighted the IFN-λ locus on chromosome 19q13 as an area of genetic variation significantly associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and the rs12979860 genotype can be used in clinical practice as a biomarker for predicting a successful response to treatment with pegylated IFN and ribavarin. Here, we discuss IFN-λ genetic polymorphisms and their role in HCV and other infectious diseases as well as their potential impact on clinical diagnostics, patient stratification and therapy. Finally, the broader role of IFN-λ in the immunopathogenesis of non-infectious inflammatory diseases is considered.

Functional characterization of canine interferon-lambda

In this study, we provide the first comprehensive annotation of canine interferon-λ (CaIFN-λ, type III IFN). Phylogenetic analysis based on genomic sequences indicated that CaIFN-λ is located in the same branch with Swine IFN-λ1 (SwIFN-λ), Bat IFN-λ1 (BaIFN-λ), and human IFN-λ1 (HuIFN-λ1). CaIFN-λ was cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli, and purified to further investigate the biological activity in vitro. The recombinant CaIFN-λ (rCaIFN-λ) displayed potent antiviral activity on both homologous and heterologous animal cells in terms of inhibiting the replication of the New Jersey serotype of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), canine parvovirus, and influenza virus A/WSN/33 (H1N1), respectively. In addition, we also found that rCaIFN-λ exhibits a significant antiproliferative response against A72 canine tumor cells and MDCK cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, CaIFN-λ activated the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. To evaluate the expression of CaIFN-λ induced by virus and the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) induced by rCaIFN-λ in the MDCK cells, we measured the relative mRNA level of CaIFN-λ and ISGs (ISG15, Mx1, and 2'5'-OAS) by quantitative real-time PCR and found that the mRNA level of CaIFN-λ and the ISGs significantly increased after treating the MDCK cells with viruses and rCaIFN-λ protein, respectively. Finally, to evaluate the binding activity of rCaIFN-λ to its receptor, we expressed the extracellular domain of the canine IFN-λ receptor 1 (CaIFN-λR1-EC) and determined the binding activity via ELISA. Our results demonstrated that rCaIFN-λ bound tightly to recombinant CaIFN-λR1-EC (rCaIFN-λR1-EC).

Highly heterogeneous, activated, and short-lived regulatory T cells during chronic filarial infection

The mechanisms underlying the increase in the numbers of regulatory T (Treg) cells in chronic infection settings remain unclear. Here we have delineated the phenotype and transcriptional profiles of Treg cells from 18 filarial-infected (Fil(+) ) and 19 filarial-uninfected (Fil(-) ) subjects. We found that the frequencies of Foxp3(+) Treg cells expressing CTLA-4, GITR, LAG-3, and IL-10 were significantly higher in Fil(+) subjects compared with that in Fil(-) subjects. Foxp3-expressing Treg-cell populations in Fil(+) subjects were also more heterogeneous and had higher expression of IL-10, CCL-4, IL-29, CTLA-4, and TGF-β than Fil(-) subjects, each of these cytokines having been implicated in immune suppression. Moreover, Foxp3-expressing Treg cells from Fil(+) subjects had markedly upregulated expression of activation-induced apoptotic genes with concomitant downregulation of those involved in cell survival. To determine whether the expression of apoptotic genes was due to Treg-cell activation, we found that the expression of CTLA-4, CDk8, RAD50, TNFRSF1A, FOXO3, and RHOA were significantly upregulated in stimulated cells compared with unstimulated cells. Taken together, our results suggest that in patent filarial infection, the expanded Treg-cell populations are heterogeneous, short-lived, activated, and express higher levels of molecules known to modulate immune responsiveness, suggesting that filarial infection is associated with high Treg-cell turnover.