Enhancer functions and in vitro protein binding of native and mutated interferon-responsive sequences

JAK-STAT signaling involved in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate- and dimethyl sulfoxide-induced 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase expression in human HL-60 leukemia cells

The JAK-STAT signal transduction cascade participates in various cellular processes, including immune response, cell replication, differentiation and oncogenesis. Here, we report that this cascade is induced in two human myeloid HL-60 leukemia cell variants by the granulocyte differentiation inducer dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and macrophage differentiation inducer phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). DMSO and PMA also induced the expression and catalytic activity of 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5A synthetase), a known interferon (IFN) inducible enzyme. The HL-60 cell variants included HL-205, which is susceptible to DMSO- and PMA-induced differentiation, and HL-525, which is susceptible to DMSO- but not to PMA-induced differentiation. Treatment of HL-205 and HL-525 cells with DMSO and HL-205 cells with PMA-induced JAK1 phosphorylation, JAK1/STAT1 association, formation of STAT1-STAT2 heterodimers, and the binding of the active IFN stimulating growth factor 3 (ISGF3) to the IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) fragment isolated from the 2-5A synthetase promoter. These events were either reduced or absent in the resistant HL-525 cells treated with PMA. Taken together, our data implicate the above signaling cascade in DMSO- and PMA-induced 2-5A synthetase expression and catalytic activity in the HL-60 cell system.

Distinct Regulatory Mechanisms for Interferon-α/β (IFN-α/β)– and IFN-γ–Mediated Induction of Ly-6E Gene in B Cells

The murine Ly6-E gene is transcriptionally induced by interferon-α/β (IFN-α/β) and IFN-γ in a variety of distinct cell types. The mechanism of IFN inducibility in B-cell lines was investigated by deletion analysis of the promoter and by identifying DNA binding proteins in mobility shift assays. A region located in the distal part of the promoter at −2.3 kb contributed to inducibility by both types of IFNs. This region contains a novel element in addition to the previously well-characterized IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE). The probes containing ISRE detected IFN-inducible complexes in mobility shift assays and the signal transducer and activator of transcripition–1 was found to be in these complexes from cells treated with either type of IFN. An additional element present in the proximal part of the promoter at position −109 is also required for IFN-α/β–mediated induction. These data suggested a cooperative interaction between these physically disparate regulatory regions. A crucial role for HMGI(Y) protein in this cooperative multiprotein complex is supported by the evidence that inhibition of HMGI(Y) expression via antisense RNA results in the loss of IFN-α/β–mediated induction of the Ly6-E gene. These results show the complexity involved in achieving cell-type specificity in IFN-mediated gene regulation.

Distinct Regulatory Mechanisms for Interferon-α/β (IFN-α/β)– and IFN-γ–Mediated Induction of Ly-6E Gene in B Cells

The murine Ly6-E gene is transcriptionally induced by interferon-α/β (IFN-α/β) and IFN-γ in a variety of distinct cell types. The mechanism of IFN inducibility in B-cell lines was investigated by deletion analysis of the promoter and by identifying DNA binding proteins in mobility shift assays. A region located in the distal part of the promoter at −2.3 kb contributed to inducibility by both types of IFNs. This region contains a novel element in addition to the previously well-characterized IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE). The probes containing ISRE detected IFN-inducible complexes in mobility shift assays and the signal transducer and activator of transcripition–1 was found to be in these complexes from cells treated with either type of IFN. An additional element present in the proximal part of the promoter at position −109 is also required for IFN-α/β–mediated induction. These data suggested a cooperative interaction between these physically disparate regulatory regions. A crucial role for HMGI(Y) protein in this cooperative multiprotein complex is supported by the evidence that inhibition of HMGI(Y) expression via antisense RNA results in the loss of IFN-α/β–mediated induction of the Ly6-E gene. These results show the complexity involved in achieving cell-type specificity in IFN-mediated gene regulation.

Reversal of interferon-gamma-resistant phenotype by poly(I:C): possible involvement of ISGF2 (IRF1) in interferon-gamma-mediated induction of the IDO gene

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is induced in many cell lines by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) treatment. IDO mRNA increases rapidly from 4 h after IFN-gamma treatment to at least 24 h after treatment in ME180 cells. The IFN-gamma-resistant mutant of ME180, IR3B6B, expresses only one-sixth the amount of IDO message after IFN-gamma treatment and very low levels of IDO. However, pretreatment of these mutants with poly(I:C) restores normal levels of IDO mRNAs and IDO activity. Since IRF1 mRNA induction is also low in IR3B6B cells after IFN-gamma treatment, we examined whether there was any relationship between IRF1 induction and IDO induction by IFN-gamma. The steady-state level of IRF1 mRNA was elevated by treating IR3B6B cells with poly(I:C) and IFN-gamma. Poly(I:C)-mediated reversal of IFN-gamma-resistant phenotype and induction of IDO and IRF1 messages are inhibited by 2-aminopurine. Transient transfection of IRF1 cDNA in ME180 cells resulted in activation of IDO transcription. Nuclear extracts prepared from IFN-gamma-treated ME180 and IR3B6B cells affected differently the mobility of a 80-bp DNA fragment of the 5' regulatory region of IDO gene. Pretreatment of IR3B6B cells with poly(I:C) and addition of IFN-gamma resulted in increased DNA binding of nuclear proteins to the DNA. Pre- and post-treatment of nuclear extract of IFN-gamma-treated ME180 cells with anti-IRF1 antibody resulted in a super shift in mobility of the probe with the abolishment of normal gel-shift pattern.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interferon consensus sequence-binding protein, a member of the interferon regulatory factor family, suppresses interferon-induced gene transcription

We previously isolated a cDNA clone encoding interferon consensus sequence-binding protein (ICSBP), a member of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family, that binds to the interferon (IFN)-stimulated response element (ISRE) of many IFN-regulated genes. In this investigation, we studied the functional role of ICSBP by transient cotransfection of ICSBP cDNA with IFN-responsive reporter genes into the human embryonal carcinoma cell line N-Tera2. These cells were shown not to express ICSBP or IRF-2, thus allowing functional analysis of transfected cDNAs. Cotransfection of ICSBP into cells treated with retinoic acid or any of the IFNs (alpha, beta, or gamma) repressed expression of a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter driven by the major histocompatibility complex class I gene promoter. Similarly, ICSBP repressed expression of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporters driven by the ISREs of the 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase, guanylate-binding protein, and ISG-15 genes in IFN-treated cells. The repression was dependent on the presence of the ISRE in the reporter. Deletion analysis showed that the putative N-terminal DNA binding domain of ICSBP by itself is capable of mediating the repression. Using the same cotransfection conditions as for ICSBP, a similar repression of these reporters was observed with IRF-2. Finally, ICSBP repressed the IRF-1-mediated induction of major histocompatibility complex class I and IFN-beta reporters in the absence of IFN or retinoic acid. Taken together, these results suggest that ICSBP is a negative regulatory factor capable of repressing transcription of target genes induced by IFN, retinoic acid, or IRF-1.

Interferon consensus sequence-binding protein, a member of the interferon regulatory factor family, suppresses interferon-induced gene transcription

We previously isolated a cDNA clone encoding interferon consensus sequence-binding protein (ICSBP), a member of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family, that binds to the interferon (IFN)-stimulated response element (ISRE) of many IFN-regulated genes. In this investigation, we studied the functional role of ICSBP by transient cotransfection of ICSBP cDNA with IFN-responsive reporter genes into the human embryonal carcinoma cell line N-Tera2. These cells were shown not to express ICSBP or IRF-2, thus allowing functional analysis of transfected cDNAs. Cotransfection of ICSBP into cells treated with retinoic acid or any of the IFNs (alpha, beta, or gamma) repressed expression of a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter driven by the major histocompatibility complex class I gene promoter. Similarly, ICSBP repressed expression of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporters driven by the ISREs of the 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase, guanylate-binding protein, and ISG-15 genes in IFN-treated cells. The repression was dependent on the presence of the ISRE in the reporter. Deletion analysis showed that the putative N-terminal DNA binding domain of ICSBP by itself is capable of mediating the repression. Using the same cotransfection conditions as for ICSBP, a similar repression of these reporters was observed with IRF-2. Finally, ICSBP repressed the IRF-1-mediated induction of major histocompatibility complex class I and IFN-beta reporters in the absence of IFN or retinoic acid. Taken together, these results suggest that ICSBP is a negative regulatory factor capable of repressing transcription of target genes induced by IFN, retinoic acid, or IRF-1.

Behavioral effects of mouse interferons-alpha and -gamma and human interferon-alpha in mice

Behavioral effects of murine interferon-alpha and -gamma were explored using a well-characterized system for detecting interferon effects. In addition, the effectiveness of human interferon-alpha was determined. Mouse gamma-interferon decreased activity and food-related behavior, effects that were similar to the effects of mouse alpha-interferon. Equivalent doses of the human preparation had little effect upon these measures in mice. Some common action of alpha- and gamma-interferon is likely responsible for the similar effects seen for the two molecules. Low effectiveness of the human preparation in mice was predicted due to the differences in receptors between species.

Transcriptional activation of human (2'-5')oligoadenylate synthetase gene expression by the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate in type-I-interferon-treated HL-60 and HeLa cells

(2'-5')Oligoadenylate [(2'-5')(A)n] synthetase is a key enzyme in the interferon-elicited antiviral response whose controlled expression in interferon-treated cells has been only partially elucidated. In this investigation, we have compared the modulation of the (2'-5')(A)n synthetase gene by interferon alone and by the combination of interferon and a second cellular effector, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate (TPA). Although TPA alone had no effect on (2'-5')(A)n synthetase, it potentiated the induction of (2'-5')(A)n of synthetase by interferon in HL-60 and HeLa cells by increasing content of its mRNA and an immunoreactive 40-kDa isoenzyme. Since TPA activates protein kinase C (PKC), other PKC-activating phorbol-ester analogues were tested and found to be effective, whereas the PKC inhibitor staurosporine reduced the potentiative activity of TPA. By using the (2'-5')(A)n synthetase gene promoter linked to a reporter gene, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), TPA and interferon were found to result in a doubling of CAT activity compared to cells treated with interferon alone. Moreover, when nuclear extracts prepared from control cells or cells treated with TPA and interferon (IFN), separately or together, were incubated with radioactively labeled oligodeoxynucleotides containing the interferon-responsive element (IRE), TPA was shown to down-regulate an IFN-inducible IRE/protein complex. These data further suggest that TPA regulates (2'-5')(A)n synthetase gene expression at the level of transcription.

Transcriptional regulation of interferon-stimulated genes

Interferons (IFN) stimulate the expression of a number of genes following interaction with specific high-affinity plasma membrane receptors. The products of these genes either singly or coordinately mediate the antiviral, growth inhibitory or immunoregulatory activities attributed to IFN. While the gene products in some cases have been well characterized, other IFN-regulated genes encode proteins whose functions have yet to be elucidated. A feature common to all IFN-stimulated genes characterized thus far is the presence of a DNA element which constitutes an IFN-responsive enhancer, usually present in the 5' upstream region of the genes. This element, termed interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) binds a nuclear factor(s) translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus following IFN-receptor-triggered signal transduction. The binding of these factors to the ISRE represents the initiating event in stimulating RNA-polymerase-II-mediated transcription from IFN-responsive genes. Depending on the nature of the cells responding to IFN and the genes involved, induced transcription may be prolonged or rapidly terminated. The rapid termination of transcription is dependent in some cases on IFN-induced protein synthesis and also involves factor binding to the ISRE. Recent progress in detailing these events will be discussed including IFN-receptor interactions, signal-transduction pathways, comparing and contrasting IFN-regulated genes and elucidation of IFN-regulated factors.

Signal transduction and transcriptional regulation of interferon-alpha-stimulated genes

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) stimulates the expression of a number of genes in a pathway that begins with binding to specific high-affinity plasma membrane receptors. All IFN-alpha-stimulated genes cloned thus far are characterized by the presence of a DNA element, termed Interferon-Stimulated Response Element (ISRE), usually in the 5' upstream region of the genes. The ISRE binds a nuclear factor(s) following IFN-receptor triggered signal transduction and provides a convenient assay for the rapid phase of IFN-alpha signal transduction. This phase utilizes a phospholipase A2-generated second messenger which modulates ISRE-binding factors. Expression cloning has resulted in the identification of two specific ISRE-binding proteins that are candidates as signal recipients. Further advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of IFN action may come through the use of yeast genetics. The human p68 kinase expressed in yeast has a growth inhibitory phenotype and provides a useful alternative system for analyzing components of the IFN-stimulated pathways.

Direct induction of interferon-gamma- and interferon-alpha/beta-inducible genes by double-stranded RNA

Using Northern analysis, we here show that the inducibility by double-stranded (ds) RNA of interferon-alpha/beta-inducible genes is not restricted to a few genes but extends to all the genes known to be stimulated by IFN type I in fibroblasts. Moreover, we show that some genes, preferentially regulated by IFN-gamma, are also activated by dsRNA. We present a series of arguments demonstrating that the induction by dsRNA is not mediated by IFN. In addition to the fact that this induction occurs in the presence of cycloheximide and/or anti-IFN-alpha/beta antibodies in fibroblasts, we observed that, in IFN-resistant Daudi cells, ISG15 and IP-10 genes which are not induced by IFN-beta, are still inducible by dsRNA. dsRNA is also still active on 2-5 AS and ISG15 genes in cells carrying homozygous deletions of IFN alpha/beta genes. Actinomycin D experiments and nuclear in vitro elongation assays reveal that the induction by dsRNA involves, as its early step, a transcriptional event. This induction was found not to require protein synthesis, suggesting that activation of preexisting cellular factors is involved. The opposite inducibility by dsRNA of IFN-beta and 2',5'-oligoadenylate (2-5A) synthetase genes in serum-deprived fibroblasts indicates that pathways of induction by dsRNA of these two genes are not identical. Inhibition by 2-aminopurine of the induction of IFN-inducible mRNAs by IFN-beta or dsRNA suggests the participation of a protein kinase in their mechanism of action.

Protein binding to the interferon response enhancer correlates with interferon induction of 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase in normal and interferon-resistant Friend cells

The induction of transcription of the 2'-5'-oligoadenylate (2-5A) synthetase gene by type I (alpha/beta) and type II (gamma) interferons (IFNs) has been studied in wild-type (w.t.) and IFN-resistant Friend leukemia cells (FLC). Following IFN treatment, new complexes are formed in vitro between the IFN-responsive sequence (IRS) of the 2-5A synthetase gene and cellular proteins. Within minutes after IFN-alpha/beta addition to w.t. FLC, an IRS-protein complex, designated F1, is detected, as already observed in several human cell lines. In response to IFN-gamma, a novel complex, designated Fg, is observed in w.t. FLC. The Fg complex appears within 3 h, while an F1-like complex is faintly visible 10 to 24 h later. In the IFN-alpha/beta-resistant FLC, IFN-gamma induces only the Fg complex and fails to induce F1. Fg formation is correlated with the IFN-gamma-induced transcription of the 2-5A synthetase gene and the appearance of the corresponding enzymatic activity in both w.t. and IFN-alpha/beta-resistant FLC. These findings suggest that F1 and Fg represent two distinct effector complexes by which type I and type II IFNs, respectively, induce 2-5A synthetase.

Interleukin-6 induces the (2'-5') oligoadenylate synthetase gene in M1 cells through an effect on the interferon-responsive enhancer

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) activates (2'-5') A synthetase (2'-5' AS) gene expression in differentiating myeloleukemic M1 cells. Antibodies to type I interferon (IFN) inhibit 2'-5' AS induction but not differentiation. Analysis of the mechanism of 2'-5' AS induction shows that it does not result from increased IFN formation, but from a synergism between IL-6 and endogenously secreted IFN. IL-6 can activate expression of a CAT construct fused to the interferon response sequence (IRS) of the 2'-5' AS gene. In extracts of IL-6-treated M1 cells, changes in protein binding to IRS DNA can be demonstrated. One of the effects of IL-6 on M1 cells is, therefore, to induce DNA binding factors, some of which act on the same enhancer sequence as IFNs, resulting in a synergistic gene activation. M1 variants resistant to differentiation by IL-6 have lost the ability to induce the 2'-5' AS gene.

DNA protein interactions at the interferon-responsive promoter elements: potential for an H-DNA conformation

The regions of several genes (IFI-56K, HLA-A3, HLA-DR and 6-16) containing the (putative) ISRE (Interferon Stimulatable Response Element) were tested for their ability to be recognized by HeLa cells nuclear extract proteins. In a band shift assay, all probes yielded two B1 and B2 DNA-protein complexes of similar mobilities. Unexpectedly the titration of the B1 complex with a synthetic ISRE core (OL1), promoted the formation of B2. Both the probe and OL1 were recovered in B2. For each probe, the possibility of the part of the sequence involved in B1 complex to form a H-DNA structure with the part of the sequence involved in B2 exists. Such a structure was favored by the colinearity of the pairing regions and requires ATP. Although probes seemed to have a secondary structure, the formal existence of a H-DNA structure has not been demonstrated. Such a model could be extended to other interferon inducible gene promoters and may account for their binding properties and differential inducibility after 5' deletion or point mutations.

Gene induction by interferons: functional complementation between trans-acting factors induced by alpha interferon and gamma interferon

HeLaM is a variant cell line in which the transcriptional induction of many genes by alpha interferon has special characteristics (Tiwari et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 8:4289-4294, 1988). The same characteristics were also displayed for induced transcription of a permanently transfected chimeric gene containing the interferon-stimulated response element of gene 561. For understanding the molecular basis of the special requirements of HeLaM cells, an analysis of the interferon-stimulated gene factors (ISGF) was undertaken. By using gel shift assays, it was shown that the activation of ISGF3 by alpha interferon treatment of HeLaM cells had characteristics identical to those of induced transcription: inhibition by 2-aminopurine and the need for ongoing protein synthesis which was obviated by pretreating the cells with gamma interferon. Upon mixing in vitro the cytoplasmic fraction of gamma interferon-treated HeLaM cells with that of cells treated with alpha interferon and cycloheximide, active ISGF3 was reconstituted, presumably through complementation of two components, ISGF3 gamma and ISGF3 alpha, present in the two respective fractions. Because, unlike other cells, untreated HeLaM cells did not contain detectable levels of either component, we could induce them individually and study their independent properties. Induction of ISGF3 gamma but not of ISGF3 alpha needed ongoing protein synthesis and was blocked by 2-aminopurine. Once induced, ISGF3 gamma was active for 24 h and was present in both the nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions. Activated ISGF3 alpha, on the other hand, did not translocate to the nucleus in the absence of ISGF3 gamma, and in the cytoplasm its activity decayed within 2 h of its activation. In reference to our working model, all of the above observations indicate that ISGF3 gamma is the product of signal 1 and ISGF3 alpha is the product of signal 2.

Characterization of promoter elements of an interferon-inducible Ly-6E/A differentiation antigen, which is expressed on activated T cells and hematopoietic stem cells

The Ly-6E/A antigen is expressed on activated murine T cells. Using probes made from the previously characterized cDNA, we have isolated a genomic DNA clone encoding the Ly-6A antigen. We determined the DNA sequence of the genomic clone and conducted a functional analysis of the promoter region. Mouse fibroblast BALB/3T3 cells transfected with this genomic clone constitutively expressed Ly-6A antigen on their cell surface. This expression was inducible by alpha/beta and gamma interferons. The Ly-6E 5'-flanking region was analyzed by chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assays in fibroblast cells for cis-acting elements. At least two positive elements were found to be needed for maximum constitutive promoter activity in L cells. One of the positive elements was specifically bound by a CCAAT box-binding protein from crude nuclear extract, as shown by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and footprinting. The other element, which contains a GGAAA motif and has homology to various known enhancers, also showed a specific binding activity. This second positive element when multimerized became a very powerful enhancing element. Interferon treatment could enhance expression of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene fused to the Ly-6E 5'-flanking region in stably transfected BALB/3T3 cells. The elements responsible for this enhancement lie, at least in part, between positions -1760 and -900 of the gene. Surprisingly, there is no sequence homology between this region of Ly-6E and the established consensus for the interferon-stimulated response element, which has been shown functionally important to all previously characterized alpha/beta interferon-inducible promoters. The Ly-6E gene may prove to be a novel system for the study of interferon induction.

Gene induction by interferons: functional complementation between trans-acting factors induced by alpha interferon and gamma interferon

HeLaM is a variant cell line in which the transcriptional induction of many genes by alpha interferon has special characteristics (Tiwari et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 8:4289-4294, 1988). The same characteristics were also displayed for induced transcription of a permanently transfected chimeric gene containing the interferon-stimulated response element of gene 561. For understanding the molecular basis of the special requirements of HeLaM cells, an analysis of the interferon-stimulated gene factors (ISGF) was undertaken. By using gel shift assays, it was shown that the activation of ISGF3 by alpha interferon treatment of HeLaM cells had characteristics identical to those of induced transcription: inhibition by 2-aminopurine and the need for ongoing protein synthesis which was obviated by pretreating the cells with gamma interferon. Upon mixing in vitro the cytoplasmic fraction of gamma interferon-treated HeLaM cells with that of cells treated with alpha interferon and cycloheximide, active ISGF3 was reconstituted, presumably through complementation of two components, ISGF3 gamma and ISGF3 alpha, present in the two respective fractions. Because, unlike other cells, untreated HeLaM cells did not contain detectable levels of either component, we could induce them individually and study their independent properties. Induction of ISGF3 gamma but not of ISGF3 alpha needed ongoing protein synthesis and was blocked by 2-aminopurine. Once induced, ISGF3 gamma was active for 24 h and was present in both the nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions. Activated ISGF3 alpha, on the other hand, did not translocate to the nucleus in the absence of ISGF3 gamma, and in the cytoplasm its activity decayed within 2 h of its activation. In reference to our working model, all of the above observations indicate that ISGF3 gamma is the product of signal 1 and ISGF3 alpha is the product of signal 2.

Characterization of promoter elements of an interferon-inducible Ly-6E/A differentiation antigen, which is expressed on activated T cells and hematopoietic stem cells

The Ly-6E/A antigen is expressed on activated murine T cells. Using probes made from the previously characterized cDNA, we have isolated a genomic DNA clone encoding the Ly-6A antigen. We determined the DNA sequence of the genomic clone and conducted a functional analysis of the promoter region. Mouse fibroblast BALB/3T3 cells transfected with this genomic clone constitutively expressed Ly-6A antigen on their cell surface. This expression was inducible by alpha/beta and gamma interferons. The Ly-6E 5'-flanking region was analyzed by chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assays in fibroblast cells for cis-acting elements. At least two positive elements were found to be needed for maximum constitutive promoter activity in L cells. One of the positive elements was specifically bound by a CCAAT box-binding protein from crude nuclear extract, as shown by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and footprinting. The other element, which contains a GGAAA motif and has homology to various known enhancers, also showed a specific binding activity. This second positive element when multimerized became a very powerful enhancing element. Interferon treatment could enhance expression of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene fused to the Ly-6E 5'-flanking region in stably transfected BALB/3T3 cells. The elements responsible for this enhancement lie, at least in part, between positions -1760 and -900 of the gene. Surprisingly, there is no sequence homology between this region of Ly-6E and the established consensus for the interferon-stimulated response element, which has been shown functionally important to all previously characterized alpha/beta interferon-inducible promoters. The Ly-6E gene may prove to be a novel system for the study of interferon induction.

Purification and cloning of interferon-stimulated gene factor 2 (ISGF2): ISGF2 (IRF-1) can bind to the promoters of both beta interferon- and interferon-stimulated genes but is not a primary transcriptional activator of either

Interferon-stimulated gene factor 2 (ISGF2) was purified from HeLa cells treated with alpha interferon. The factor, a single polypeptide of 56 kilodaltons (kDa), bound both to the central 9 base pairs of the 15-base-pair interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) that is required for transcriptional activation of interferon-stimulated genes and to the PRD-I regulatory element of the beta interferon gene. ISGF2 was a phosphoprotein, and dephosphorylation in vitro reduced its DNA-binding activity. However, conditions that changed the amount of ISGF2 did not change the phosphorylated isoforms in vivo. ISGF2 in unstimulated cells existed in trace amounts and was induced by both alpha interferon and gamma interferon as well as by virus infection. Plasmid-bearing Escherichia coli clones encoding ISGF2 were selected with antibody against purified ISGF2. Sequence analysis revealed that the ISGF2 protein was the same as that encoded by the cDNA clone IRF-1, which has been claimed to activate transcription of interferon genes. We show that transcription of the ISGF2 gene was induced by alpha interferon, gamma interferon, and double-stranded RNA. However, ISGF2 was neither necessary nor sufficient for induced transcription of the beta interferon gene, while the factor NF kappa B was clearly involved.

Purification and cloning of interferon-stimulated gene factor 2 (ISGF2): ISGF2 (IRF-1) can bind to the promoters of both beta interferon- and interferon-stimulated genes but is not a primary transcriptional activator of either

Interferon-stimulated gene factor 2 (ISGF2) was purified from HeLa cells treated with alpha interferon. The factor, a single polypeptide of 56 kilodaltons (kDa), bound both to the central 9 base pairs of the 15-base-pair interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) that is required for transcriptional activation of interferon-stimulated genes and to the PRD-I regulatory element of the beta interferon gene. ISGF2 was a phosphoprotein, and dephosphorylation in vitro reduced its DNA-binding activity. However, conditions that changed the amount of ISGF2 did not change the phosphorylated isoforms in vivo. ISGF2 in unstimulated cells existed in trace amounts and was induced by both alpha interferon and gamma interferon as well as by virus infection. Plasmid-bearing Escherichia coli clones encoding ISGF2 were selected with antibody against purified ISGF2. Sequence analysis revealed that the ISGF2 protein was the same as that encoded by the cDNA clone IRF-1, which has been claimed to activate transcription of interferon genes. We show that transcription of the ISGF2 gene was induced by alpha interferon, gamma interferon, and double-stranded RNA. However, ISGF2 was neither necessary nor sufficient for induced transcription of the beta interferon gene, while the factor NF kappa B was clearly involved.

Host defense against infections and inflammations: role of the multifunctional IL-6/IFN-beta 2 cytokine

IL-6/IFN-beta 2 appears to be one of the important mediators of the response to viral and bacterial infections and to shock. The biological effects now associated with IL-6/IFN-beta 2 include: stimulation of immunoglobulin secretion by mature B lymphocytes (BSF-2 activity), growth stimulation of plasmacytomas and hybridomas (HGF activity), activation of T cells, stimulation of hepatic acute phase protein synthesis (HSF activity), stimulation of hematopoiesis, cell differentiation (DIF activity), inhibition of tumor cell growth (AP activity) and other IFN-like effects. As a typical cytokine, IL-6/IFN-beta 2 is secreted by many cell types and acts in various combinations with other interleukins and interferons.