1
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STAT3 transcription factor as target for anti-cancer therapy. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1101-1124. [PMID: 32880101 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00156-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
STATs constitute a large family of transcription activators and transducers of signals that have an important role in many cell functions as regulation of proliferation and differentiation of the cell also regulation of apoptosis and angiogenesis. STAT3 as a member of that family, recently was discovered to have a vital role in progression of different types of cancers. The activation of STAT3 was observed to regulate multiple gene functions during cancer-like cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, metastasis, inflammation, immunity, cell survival, and angiogenesis. The inhibition of STAT3 activation has been an important target for cancer therapy. Inhibitors of STAT3 have been used for a long time for treatment of many types of cancers like leukemia, melanoma, colon, and renal cancer. In this review article, we summarize and discuss different drugs inhibiting the action of STAT3 and used in treatment of different types of cancer.
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2
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Cai L, Liu J, Wang Y, Chen H, Ma Y, Wang Y, Wang Y. Enhanced anti-melanoma efficacy of interferon α-2b via overexpression of ING4 by enhanced Fas/FasL-mediated apoptosis. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:9577-9583. [PMID: 29805679 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma, is a highly aggressive and the most lethal form of skin cancer, and is known to be resistant to current therapeutic modalities. Interferon (IFN)-α2b is an immunostimulatory cytokine and is used to treat melanoma by inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis of cells. However, there is a need to improve the efficacy of IFN-α2b. Inhibitor of growth family member 4 (ING4) has been reported to function as a tumor suppressor and is involved in regulating cell cycle progression, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion. Previously studies have also reported that caspase-3, caspase-8, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) pathways are involved in the process of apoptosis. In the present study, it was investigated whether overexpression of ING4 is able to enhance IFN-α2b response in human melanoma cells. It was determined that the overexpression of ING4 was able to increase the effects of IFN-α2b, and induce cell death and apoptosis in melanoma cells. Furthermore, the overexpression of ING4 resulted in decreased expression of PARP, caspase-3 and -8. The expression of cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-8, Fas and FasL was increased in the A375 melanoma cell line. These results demonstrate that the overexpression of ING4 is able to enhance the anti-melanoma activity of IFN-α2b. These findings provide a potential therapeutic strategy where a combination of ING4 overexpression and IFN-α2b treatment may lead to higher levels of apoptosis in melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Cai
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Hongxiao Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276000, P.R. China
| | - Yanli Ma
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Yanhua Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Yongchen Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, P.R. China
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3
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Chen Y, Ji M, Zhang S, Xue N, Xu H, Lin S, Chen X. Bt354 as a new STAT3 signaling pathway inhibitor against triple negative breast cancer. J Drug Target 2018; 26:920-930. [DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2018.1452244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- State Key laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Ji
- State Key laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shen Zhang
- State Key laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Nina Xue
- State Key laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Heng Xu
- State Key laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Songwen Lin
- State Key laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- State Key laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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4
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The role of STAT3 in leading the crosstalk between human cancers and the immune system. Cancer Lett 2017; 415:117-128. [PMID: 29222039 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The development and progression of human cancers are continuously and dynamically regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. As a converging point of multiple oncogenic pathways, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is constitutively activated both in tumor cells and tumor-infiltrated immune cells. Activated STAT3 persistently triggers tumor progression through direct regulation of oncogenic gene expression. Apart from its oncogenic role in regulating gene expression in tumor cells, STAT3 also paves the way for human cancer growth through immunosuppression. Activated STAT3 in immune cells results in inhibition of immune mediators and promotion of immunosuppressive factors. Therefore, STAT3 modulates the interaction between tumor cells and host immunity. Accumulating evidence suggests that targeting STAT3 may enhance anti-cancer immune responses and rescue the suppressed immunologic microenvironment in tumors. Taken together, STAT3 has emerged as a promising target in cancer immunotherapy.
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5
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Identification of NRAS isoform 2 overexpression as a mechanism facilitating BRAF inhibitor resistance in malignant melanoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:9629-9634. [PMID: 28827320 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1704371114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in BRAF are found in 50% of melanomas and although treatment with BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) is effective, resistance often develops. We now show that recently discovered NRAS isoform 2 is up-regulated in the setting of BRAF inhibitor resistance in melanoma, in both cell lines and patient tumor tissues. When isoform 2 was overexpressed in BRAF mutant melanoma cell lines, melanoma cell proliferation and in vivo tumor growth were significantly increased in the presence of BRAFi treatment. shRNA-mediated knockdown of isoform 2 in BRAFi resistant cells restored sensitivity to BRAFi compared with controls. Signaling analysis indicated decreased mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway signaling and increased phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway signaling in isoform 2 overexpressing cells compared with isoform 1 overexpressing cells. Immunoprecipitation of isoform 2 validated a binding affinity of this isoform to both PI3K and BRAF/RAF1. The addition of an AKT inhibitor to BRAFi treatment resulted in a partial restoration of BRAFi sensitivity in cells expressing high levels of isoform 2. NRAS isoform 2 may contribute to resistance to BRAFi by facilitating PI3K pathway activation.
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6
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Sucker A, Zhao F, Pieper N, Heeke C, Maltaner R, Stadtler N, Real B, Bielefeld N, Howe S, Weide B, Gutzmer R, Utikal J, Loquai C, Gogas H, Klein-Hitpass L, Zeschnigk M, Westendorf AM, Trilling M, Horn S, Schilling B, Schadendorf D, Griewank KG, Paschen A. Acquired IFNγ resistance impairs anti-tumor immunity and gives rise to T-cell-resistant melanoma lesions. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15440. [PMID: 28561041 PMCID: PMC5460020 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma treatment has been revolutionized by antibody-based immunotherapies. IFNγ secretion by CD8+ T cells is critical for therapy efficacy having anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on tumour cells. Our study demonstrates a genetic evolution of IFNγ resistance in different melanoma patient models. Chromosomal alterations and subsequent inactivating mutations in genes of the IFNγ signalling cascade, most often JAK1 or JAK2, protect melanoma cells from anti-tumour IFNγ activity. JAK1/2 mutants further evolve into T-cell-resistant HLA class I-negative lesions with genes involved in antigen presentation silenced and no longer inducible by IFNγ. Allelic JAK1/2 losses predisposing to IFNγ resistance development are frequent in melanoma. Subclones harbouring inactivating mutations emerge under various immunotherapies but are also detectable in pre-treatment biopsies. Our data demonstrate that JAK1/2 deficiency protects melanoma from anti-tumour IFNγ activity and results in T-cell-resistant HLA class I-negative lesions. Screening for mechanisms of IFNγ resistance should be considered in therapeutic decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Sucker
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Fang Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Natalia Pieper
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Christina Heeke
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Raffaela Maltaner
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Nadine Stadtler
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Birgit Real
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Nicola Bielefeld
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Howe
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Weide
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Gutzmer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Skin Cancer Center Hannover, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Skin Cancer Unit, Heidelberg and University Medical Center Mannheim, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carmen Loquai
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, University of Mainz Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Helen Gogas
- First Department of Medicine,National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ludger Klein-Hitpass
- Institute of Cell Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Zeschnigk
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, West German Cancer Center and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Astrid M Westendorf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Mirko Trilling
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Susanne Horn
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Bastian Schilling
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, 45122 Essen, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Klaus G Griewank
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Annette Paschen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, 45122 Essen, Germany
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7
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Martin del Campo SE, Latchana N, Levine KM, Grignol VP, Fairchild ET, Jaime-Ramirez AC, Dao TV, Karpa VI, Carson M, Ganju A, Chan AN, Carson III WE. MiR-21 enhances melanoma invasiveness via inhibition of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 expression: in vivo effects of MiR-21 inhibitor. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0115919. [PMID: 25587717 PMCID: PMC4294659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is the most aggressive form of this cancer. It is important to understand factors that increase or decrease metastatic activity in order to more effectively research and implement treatments for melanoma. Increased cell invasion through the extracellular matrix is required for metastasis and is enhanced by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP3) inhibits MMP activity. It was previously shown by our group that miR-21, a potential regulator of TIMP3, is over-expressed in cutaneous melanoma. It was therefore hypothesized that increased levels of miR-21 expression would lead to decreased expression of TIMP3 and thereby enhance the invasiveness of melanoma cells. miR-21 over-expression in the melanoma cell lines WM1552c, WM793b, A375 and MEL 39 was accomplished via transfection with pre-miR-21. Immunoblot analysis of miR-21-overexpressing cell lines revealed reduced expression of TIMP3 as compared to controls. This in turn led to a significant increase in the invasiveness of the radial growth phase cell line WM1552c and the vertical growth phase cell line WM793b (p < 0.05), but not in the metastatic cell lines A375 or MEL 39. The proliferation and migration of miR-21 over-expressing cell lines was not affected. Reduced expression of TIMP3 was achieved by siRNA knockdown and significantly enhanced invasion of melanoma cell lines, mimicking the effects of miR-21 over-expression. Treatment of tumor cells with a linked nucleic acid antagomir to miR-21 inhibited tumor growth and increased tumor expression of TIMP3 in vivo in 01B74 Athymic NCr-nu/nu mice. Intra-tumoral injections of anti-miR-21 produced similar effects. This data shows that increased expression of miR-21 enhanced the invasive potential of melanoma cell lines through TIMP3 inhibition. Therefore, inhibition of miR-21 in melanoma may reduce melanoma invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas Latchana
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Kala M. Levine
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Valerie P. Grignol
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ene T. Fairchild
- Department of General Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Alena Cristina Jaime-Ramirez
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University, Arthur Giangiacomo James Cancer Hospital and Richard Jack Solove Research Institute, Columbus Ohio, United States of America
| | - Thao-Vi Dao
- School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Volodymyr I. Karpa
- School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Mary Carson
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Akaansha Ganju
- School of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Anthony N. Chan
- School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States of America
| | - William E. Carson III
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of General Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University, Arthur Giangiacomo James Cancer Hospital and Richard Jack Solove Research Institute, Columbus Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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8
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Liu Q, Tomei S, Ascierto ML, De Giorgi V, Bedognetti D, Dai C, Uccellini L, Spivey T, Pos Z, Thomas J, Reinboth J, Murtas D, Zhang Q, Chouchane L, Weiss GR, Slingluff CL, Lee PP, Rosenberg SA, Alter H, Yao K, Wang E, Marincola FM. Melanoma NOS1 expression promotes dysfunctional IFN signaling. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:2147-59. [PMID: 24691438 DOI: 10.1172/jci69611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In multiple forms of cancer, constitutive activation of type I IFN signaling is a critical consequence of immune surveillance against cancer; however, PBMCs isolated from cancer patients exhibit depressed STAT1 phosphorylation in response to IFN-α, suggesting IFN signaling dysfunction. Here, we demonstrated in a coculture system that melanoma cells differentially impairs the IFN-α response in PBMCs and that the inhibitory potential of a particular melanoma cell correlates with NOS1 expression. Comparison of gene transcription and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) between melanoma cells from different patients indicated that suppression of IFN-α signaling correlates with an amplification of the NOS1 locus within segment 12q22-24. Evaluation of NOS1 levels in melanomas and IFN responsiveness of purified PBMCs from patients indicated a negative correlation between NOS1 expression in melanomas and the responsiveness of PBMCs to IFN-α. Furthermore, in an explorative study, NOS1 expression in melanoma metastases was negatively associated with patient response to adoptive T cell therapy. This study provides a link between cancer cell phenotype and IFN signal dysfunction in circulating immune cells.
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9
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The Continuum of Cancer Immunosurveillance: Prognostic, Predictive, and Mechanistic Signatures. Immunity 2013; 39:11-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 600] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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10
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Amalraj J, Cutler SJ, Ghazawi I, Boyle GM, Ralph SJ. REST Negatively and ISGF3 Positively Regulate the Human STAT1 Gene in Melanoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:1288-98. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-12-0923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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11
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Pisapia L, Pozzo GD, Barba P, Citro A, Harris PE, Maffei A. Contrasting effects of IFNα on MHC class II expression in professional vs. nonprofessional APCs: Role of CIITA type IV promoter. RESULTS IN IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 2:174-83. [PMID: 24371581 DOI: 10.1016/j.rinim.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 09/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that, in ex vivo cultures, IFNα downregulates the expression of MHC class II (MHCII) genes in human non-professional APCs associated with pancreatic islets. IFNα has an opposing effect on MHCII expression in professional APCs. In this study, we found that the mechanism responsible for the IFNα-mediated MHCII's downregulation in human MHCII-positive non-professional antigen presenting human non-hematopoietic cell lines is the result of the negative feedback system that regulates cytokine signal transduction, which eventually inhibits promoters III and IV of CIITA gene. Because the CIITA-PIV isoform is mostly responsible for the constitutive expression of MHCII genes in non-professional APCs, we pursued and achieved the specific knockdown of CIITA-PIV mRNA in our in vitro system, obtaining a partial silencing of MHCII molecules similar to that obtained by IFNα. We believe that our results offer a new understanding of the potential significance of CIITA-PIV as a therapeutic target for interventional strategies that can manage autoimmune disease and allograft rejection with little interference on the function of professional APCs of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pisapia
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Del Pozzo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Barba
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Citro
- Department of Medicine of Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul E Harris
- Department of Medicine of Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Antonella Maffei
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy ; Department of Medicine of Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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12
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Enhanced anti-melanoma efficacy of interferon alfa-2b via inhibition of Shp2. Cancer Lett 2012; 320:81-5. [PMID: 22306001 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Interferon-α2b (IFN-α2b) is used to treat melanoma but there is a need to improve its efficacy. IFN-α2b signaling requires STAT1/STAT2 tyrosine phosphorylation and is subject to negative regulation by phosphatases. In this study, we determined whether inhibition of the protein tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 could enhance IFN-α2b responses in human melanoma cells. Shp2 knockdown increased IFN-α2b-stimulated STAT1 Tyr-701 phosphorylation and ISRE-luciferase activity even though it did not affect STAT2 Tyr-690 phosphorylation in A375 cells. In A375 tumor xenografts, Shp2 knockdown enhanced the anti-melanoma effect of IFN-α2b. Furthermore, the Shp2 inhibitor SPI-112Me increased the IFN-α2b-induced STAT1 activation and anti-proliferative response in A375 and SK-MEL-2 cells. These results demonstrate that inhibition of Shp2 can enhance the anti-melanoma activity of IFN-α2b.
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13
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Ascierto ML, Giorgi VD, Liu Q, Bedognetti D, Spivey TL, Murtas D, Uccellini L, Ayotte BD, Stroncek DF, Chouchane L, Manjili MH, Wang E, Marincola FM. An immunologic portrait of cancer. J Transl Med 2011; 9:146. [PMID: 21875439 PMCID: PMC3175185 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-9-146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of high-throughput technology challenges the traditional histopathological classification of cancer, and proposes new taxonomies derived from global transcriptional patterns. Although most of these molecular re-classifications did not endure the test of time, they provided bulk of new information that can reframe our understanding of human cancer biology. Here, we focus on an immunologic interpretation of cancer that segregates oncogenic processes independent from their tissue derivation into at least two categories of which one bears the footprints of immune activation. Several observations describe a cancer phenotype where the expression of interferon stimulated genes and immune effector mechanisms reflect patterns commonly observed during the inflammatory response against pathogens, which leads to elimination of infected cells. As these signatures are observed in growing cancers, they are not sufficient to entirely clear the organism of neoplastic cells but they sustain, as in chronic infections, a self-perpetuating inflammatory process. Yet, several studies determined an association between this inflammatory status and a favorable natural history of the disease or a better responsiveness to cancer immune therapy. Moreover, these signatures overlap with those observed during immune-mediated cancer rejection and, more broadly, immune-mediated tissue-specific destruction in other immune pathologies. Thus, a discussion concerning this cancer phenotype is warranted as it remains unknown why it occurs in immune competent hosts. It also remains uncertain whether a genetically determined response of the host to its own cancer, the genetic makeup of the neoplastic process or a combination of both drives the inflammatory process. Here we reflect on commonalities and discrepancies among studies and on the genetic or somatic conditions that may cause this schism in cancer behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Libera Ascierto
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), Genoa, Italy
| | - Valeria De Giorgi
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Qiuzhen Liu
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Davide Bedognetti
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), Genoa, Italy
- Department of Oncology, Biology and Genetics and National Cancer Research Institute of Genoa, Italy
| | - Tara L Spivey
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Daniela Murtas
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Lorenzo Uccellini
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Ben D Ayotte
- Department of Biology, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI 49855,USA
| | - David F Stroncek
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Lotfi Chouchane
- Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Education City, Doha Qatar Box 24144
| | - Masoud H Manjili
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Ena Wang
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Francesco M Marincola
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
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14
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Mundy-Bosse BL, Lesinski GB, Jaime-Ramirez AC, Benninger K, Khan M, Kuppusamy P, Guenterberg K, Kondadasula SV, Chaudhury AR, La Perle KM, Kreiner M, Young G, Guttridge DC, Carson WE. Myeloid-derived suppressor cell inhibition of the IFN response in tumor-bearing mice. Cancer Res 2011; 71:5101-10. [PMID: 21680779 PMCID: PMC3148319 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-10-2670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Our group and others have determined that immune effector cells from patients with advanced cancers exhibit reduced activation of IFN signaling pathways. We hypothesized that increases in immune regulatory cells termed myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) could interfere with the host immune response to tumors by inhibiting immune cell responsiveness to IFNs. The C26 murine adenocarcinoma model was employed to study immune function in advanced malignancy. C26-bearing mice had significantly elevated levels of GR1(+)CD11b(+) MDSC as compared with control mice, and splenocytes from tumor-bearing mice exhibited reduced phosphorylation of STAT1 (P-STAT1) on Tyr(701) in response to IFN-α or IFN-γ. This inhibition was seen in splenic CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells as well as natural killer cells. In vitro coculture experiments revealed that MDSC inhibited the IFN responsiveness of splenocytes from normal mice. Treatment of C26-bearing mice with gemcitabine or an anti-GR1 antibody led to depletion of MDSC and restored splenocyte IFN responsiveness. Spleens from C26-bearing animals displayed elevated levels of iNOS protein and nitric oxide. In vitro treatment of splenocytes with a nitric oxide donor led to a decreased STAT1 IFN response. The elevation in nitric oxide in C26-bearing mice was associated with increased levels of nitration on STAT1. Finally, splenocytes from iNOS knockout mice bearing C26 tumors exhibited a significantly elevated IFN response as compared with control C26 tumor-bearing mice. These data suggest that nitric oxide produced by MDSC can lead to reduced IFN responsiveness in immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany L. Mundy-Bosse
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Sciences, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
| | - Gregory B. Lesinski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
| | - Alena C. Jaime-Ramirez
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Sciences, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
| | - Kristen Benninger
- Department of Surgery, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
| | - Mahmood Khan
- The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
| | - Periannan Kuppusamy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
- The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
| | - Kristan Guenterberg
- Department of Surgery, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
| | - Sri Vidya Kondadasula
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
| | - Abhik Ray Chaudhury
- Department of Pathology, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
| | - Krista M La Perle
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
| | - Melanie Kreiner
- Department of Surgery, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
| | - Gregory Young
- The Center for Biostatistics, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
| | - Denis C. Guttridge
- Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
| | - William E. Carson
- Department of Surgery, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
- Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210
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15
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Lee H, Pal SK, Reckamp K, Figlin RA, Yu H. STAT3: a target to enhance antitumor immune response. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2011; 344:41-59. [PMID: 20517723 DOI: 10.1007/82_2010_51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) has emerged as a critical regulator for tumor-associated inflammation. Activation of Stat3 negatively regulates the Th1-type immune response and promotes expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T-cell functions in the tumor microenvironment. Mounting evidence suggests that Stat3 and related pathways may serve as a target for changing the tumor immunologic microenvironment to benefit cancer immunotherapies. Many recent studies support the use of certain tyrosine kinase inhibitors, through inhibition of Stat3, in decreasing immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Other potential therapeutic avenues include the use of targeted delivery of Stat3 siRNA into immune cells. Here, we describe the role of Stat3 in regulating the immunologic properties of tumors as a background for Stat3-based therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heehyoung Lee
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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16
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Mundy-Bosse BL, Young GS, Bauer T, Binkley E, Bloomston M, Bill MA, Bekaii-Saab T, Carson WE, Lesinski GB. Distinct myeloid suppressor cell subsets correlate with plasma IL-6 and IL-10 and reduced interferon-alpha signaling in CD4⁺ T cells from patients with GI malignancy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2011; 60:1269-79. [PMID: 21604071 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-011-1029-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 04/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) promotes anti-tumor immunity through its actions on immune cells. We hypothesized that elevated percentages of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood would be associated with impaired response to IFN-α in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. This study evaluated relationships between plasma IL-6, IL-10, circulating MDSC subsets, and IFN-α-induced signal transduction in 40 patients with GI malignancies. Plasma IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly higher in patients versus normal donors. CD33(+)HLADR(-)CD11b(+)CD15(+) and CD33(+)HLADR(-/low)CD14(+) MDSC subsets were also elevated in patients versus normal donors (P < 0.0001). Plasma IL-6 was correlated with CD33(+)HLADR(-)CD15(+) MDSC (P = 0.008) and IL-10 with CD33(+)HLADR(-)CD15(-) MDSC (P = 0.002). The percentage of CD15(+) and CD15(-) but not CD14(+) MDSC subsets were inversely correlated with IFN-α-induced STAT1 phosphorylation in CD4(+) T cells, while co-culture with in vitro generated MDSC led to reduced IFN-α responsiveness in both PBMC and the CD4(+) subset of T cells from normal donors. Exploratory multivariable Cox proportional hazards models revealed that an increased percentage of the CD33(+)HLADR(-)CD15(-) MDSC subset was associated with reduced overall survival (P = 0.049), while an increased percentage of the CD33(+)HLADR(-/low)CD14(+) subset was associated with greater overall survival (P = 0.033). These data provide evidence for a unique relationship between specific cytokines, MDSC subsets, and IFN-α responsiveness in patients with GI malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany L Mundy-Bosse
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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17
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Santos CI, Costa-Pereira AP. Signal transducers and activators of transcription-from cytokine signalling to cancer biology. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2011; 1816:38-49. [PMID: 21447371 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2011] [Revised: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 03/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) are, as the name indicates, both signal transducers and transcription factors. STATs are activated by cytokines and some growth factors and thus control important biological processes. These include cell growth, cell differentiation, apoptosis and immune responses. Dysregulation of STATs, either due to constitutive activation or function impairment, can have, therefore, deleterious biological consequences. This review places particular emphasis on their structural organization, biological activities and regulatory mechanisms most commonly utilized by cells to control STAT-mediated signalling. STATs also play important roles in cancer and immune deficiencies and are thus being exploited as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Isabel Santos
- Imperial College London, Faculty of Medecine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 ONN, UK
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18
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Respa A, Bukur J, Ferrone S, Pawelec G, Zhao Y, Wang E, Marincola FM, Seliger B. Association of IFN-gamma signal transduction defects with impaired HLA class I antigen processing in melanoma cell lines. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17:2668-78. [PMID: 21248298 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-10-2114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Abnormalities in the constitutive and IFN-γ-inducible HLA class I surface antigen expression of tumor cells is often associated with an impaired expression of components of the antigen processing machinery (APM). Hence, we analyzed whether there exists a link between the IFN-γ signaling pathway, constitutive HLA class I APM component expression, and IFN-γ resistance. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The basal and IFN-γ-inducible expression profiles of HLA class I APM and IFN-γ signal transduction cascade components were assessed in melanoma cells by real-time PCR (RT-PCR), Western blot analysis and/or flow cytometry, the integrity of the Janus activated kinase (JAK) 2 locus by comparative genomic hybridization. JAK2 was transiently overexpressed in JAK2(-) cells. The effect of IFN-γ on the cell growth was assessed by XTT [2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-S-sulfophenynl)-H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide inner salt] assay. RESULTS The analysis of 8 melanoma cell lines linked the IFN-γ unresponsiveness of Colo 857 cells determined by lack of inducibility of HLA class I surface expression on IFN-γ treatment to a deletion of JAK2 on chromosome 9, whereas other IFN-γ signaling pathway components were not affected. In addition, the constitutive HLA class I APM component expression levels were significantly reduced in JAK2(-) cells. Furthermore, JAK2-deficient cells were also resistant to the antiproliferative effect of IFN-γ. Transfection of wild-type JAK2 into JAK2(-) Colo 857 not only increased the basal APM expression but also restored their IFN-γ sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS Impaired JAK2 expression in melanoma cells leads to reduced basal expression of MHC class I APM components and impairs their IFN-γ inducibility, suggesting that malfunctional IFN-γ signaling might cause HLA class I abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annedore Respa
- Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Medical Immunology, Halle, Saale, Germany
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19
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In-vitro IL-2 or IFN-α-induced NKG2D and CD161 NK cell receptor expression indicates novel aspects of NK cell activation in metastatic melanoma patients. Melanoma Res 2010; 20:459-67. [DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0b013e32833e3286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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20
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Katsoulidis E, Mavrommatis E, Woodard J, Shields MA, Sassano A, Carayol N, Sawicki KT, Munshi HG, Platanias LC. Role of interferon {alpha} (IFN{alpha})-inducible Schlafen-5 in regulation of anchorage-independent growth and invasion of malignant melanoma cells. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:40333-41. [PMID: 20956525 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.151076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
IFNα exerts potent inhibitory activities against malignant melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo, but the mechanisms by which it generates its antitumor effects remain unknown. We examined the effects of interferon α (IFNα) on the expression of human members of the Schlafen (SLFN) family of genes, a group of cell cycle regulators that mediate growth-inhibitory responses. Using quantitative RT-real time PCR, we found detectable basal expression of all the different human SLFN genes examined (SLFN5, SLFN11, SLFN12, SLFN13, and SLFN14), in malignant melanoma cells and primary normal human melanocytes, but SLFN5 basal expression was suppressed in all analyzed melanoma cell lines. Treatment of melanoma cells with IFNα resulted in induction of expression of SLFN5 in malignant cells, suggesting a potential involvement of this gene in the antitumor effects of IFNα. Importantly, stable knockdown of SLFN5 in malignant melanoma cells resulted in increased anchorage-independent growth, as evidenced by enhanced colony formation in soft agar assays. Moreover, SLFN5 knockdown also resulted in increased invasion in three-dimensional collagen, suggesting a dual role for SLFN5 in the regulation of invasion and anchorage-independent growth of melanoma cells. Altogether, our findings suggest an important role for the SLFN family of proteins in the generation of the anti-melanoma effects of IFNα and for the first time directly implicate a member of the human SLFN family in the regulation of cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstratios Katsoulidis
- Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Division of Hematology Oncology, Northwestern University Medical School and Jesse Brown Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Sullivan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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22
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Konjević G, Mirjačić Martinović K, Vuletić A, Radenković S. Novel aspects of in vitro IL-2 or IFN-α enhanced NK cytotoxicity of healthy individuals based on NKG2D and CD161 NK cell receptor induction. Biomed Pharmacother 2010; 64:663-71. [PMID: 20800424 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2010.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Accepted: 06/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
As IL-2 and IFN-α modulate NK cell activity it was of interest to investigate the expression of newly defined NK cell receptors and augmented NK cell activity in healthy individuals after cytokine in vitro treatment. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) obtained from 31 healthy volunteers treated for 18 h with 200 IU/ml IL-2 and 250 IU/ml IFN-α were evaluated for NK cell cytotoxicity. Expression of NKG2D, CD161, CD158a, CD158b receptors was analyzed on CD3⁻CD16+ NK cells, cytotoxic CD16(bright) and regulatory CD16(dim) subsets by FACS flow. The found induced significant in vitro enhancement of NK cell activity by both cytokines is supported by specific cytokine induction in PBL of pSTAT1 and pSTAT5, determined by Western blotting, as well as induction of IRF-1 transcription. Both cytokines induce significant up-regulation of NKG2D expression while only IFN-α induced significant up-regulation of CD161, with no alteration in KIR expression by either cytokine on CD3⁻CD16+ NK cells. Investigated cytokines did not induce change in NK cell bright and dim subset distribution. Moreover, we find that, not only cytokine receptor induction on the CD3⁻CD16+ NK cells, but also simultaneous increase in their percentage and/or density on CD16(bright) and CD16(dim) subsets, represent good indicators of receptor cytokine-susceptibility. As the role of NK cells has been shown in the loss of tolerance, infection and cancer, the data obtained in this study may be of help in NK cell profiling, by giving referent values of cytokine-induced novel NK cell receptor expression either in evaluation of these diseases or in immunomonitoring during cytokine immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Konjević
- Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
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23
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Bill MA, Fuchs JR, Li C, Yui J, Bakan C, Benson DM, Schwartz EB, Abdelhamid D, Lin J, Hoyt DG, Fossey SL, Young GS, Carson WE, Li PK, Lesinski GB. The small molecule curcumin analog FLLL32 induces apoptosis in melanoma cells via STAT3 inhibition and retains the cellular response to cytokines with anti-tumor activity. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:165. [PMID: 20576164 PMCID: PMC2902420 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2010] [Accepted: 06/25/2010] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We characterized the biologic effects of a novel small molecule STAT3 pathway inhibitor that is derived from the natural product curcumin. We hypothesized this lead compound would specifically inhibit the STAT3 signaling pathway to induce apoptosis in melanoma cells. Results FLLL32 specifically reduced STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr705 (pSTAT3) and induced apoptosis at micromolar amounts in human melanoma cell lines and primary melanoma cultures as determined by annexin V/propidium iodide staining and immunoblot analysis. FLLL32 treatment reduced expression of STAT3-target genes, induced caspase-dependent apoptosis, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. FLLL32 displayed specificity for STAT3 over other homologous STAT proteins. In contrast to other STAT3 pathway inhibitors (WP1066, JSI-124, Stattic), FLLL32 did not abrogate IFN-γ-induced pSTAT1 or downstream STAT1-mediated gene expression as determined by Real Time PCR. In addition, FLLL32 did not adversely affect the function or viability of immune cells from normal donors. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), FLLL32 inhibited IL-6-induced pSTAT3 but did not reduce signaling in response to immunostimulatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL 2). Treatment of PBMCs or natural killer (NK) cells with FLLL32 also did not decrease viability or granzyme b and IFN-γ production when cultured with K562 targets as compared to vehicle (DMSO). Conclusions These data suggest that FLLL32 represents a lead compound that could serve as a platform for further optimization to develop improved STAT3 specific inhibitors for melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Bill
- Department of Surgery, Arthur G, James Cancer Hospital and Richard J, Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 410 W, 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Abstract
A number of tumors are still resistant to the antiproliferative activity of human interferon (IFN)-alpha. The Janus kinases/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway plays an important role in initial IFN signaling. To enhance the antiproliferative activity of IFN-alpha, it is important to elucidate which factors in the JAK-STAT pathway play a key role in eliciting this activity. In human ovarian adenocarcinoma OVCAR3 cells sensitive to both IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma, only IFN regulatory factor 9 (IRF9)-RNA interference (RNAi) completely inhibited the antiproliferative activity of IFN-alpha among the intracellular JAK-STAT pathway factors. Conversely, Stat1-RNAi did not inhibit the antiproliferative activity of IFN-alpha, whereas it partially inhibited that of IFN-gamma. As a cell death pathway, it is reported that tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis through TRAIL-receptor (R) 1 and TRAIL-R2. In IFN-alpha-treated OVCAR3 cells, IRF9-RNAi inhibited transcription of TRAIL whereas Stat1-RNAi did not, suggesting that the transcription of TRAIL induced by IFN-alpha predominantly required IRF9. Furthermore, IFN-stimulated response element-like motifs of TRAIL bound to IFN-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) complex after IFN-alpha treatment. Subsequently, TRAIL-R2-RNAi inhibited both antiproliferative activities of IFN-alpha and TRAIL, suggesting that TRAIL-R2 mediated both IFN-alpha and TRAIL signals to elicit their antiproliferative activities. Finally, IRF9 overexpression facilitated IFN-alpha-induced apoptosis in T98G (human glioblastoma multiforme) cells, which were resistant to IFN-alpha. Thus, this study suggests that IRF9 is the key factor for eliciting the antiproliferative activity of IFN-alpha and TRAIL may be one of the potential mediators.
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Lesinski GB, Zimmerer JM, Kreiner M, Trefry J, Bill MA, Young GS, Becknell B, Carson WE. Modulation of SOCS protein expression influences the interferon responsiveness of human melanoma cells. BMC Cancer 2010; 10:142. [PMID: 20398276 PMCID: PMC2858748 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-10-142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2009] [Accepted: 04/14/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endogenously produced interferons can regulate the growth of melanoma cells and are administered exogenously as therapeutic agents to patients with advanced cancer. We investigated the role of negative regulators of interferon signaling known as suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) in mediating interferon-resistance in human melanoma cells. Methods Basal and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) or interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-induced expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3 proteins was evaluated by immunoblot analysis in a panel of n = 10 metastatic human melanoma cell lines, in human embryonic melanocytes (HEM), and radial or vertical growth phase melanoma cells. Over-expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3 proteins in melanoma cells was achieved using the PINCO retroviral vector, while siRNA were used to inhibit SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression. Tyr701-phosphorylated STAT1 (P-STAT1) was measured by intracellular flow cytometry and IFN-stimulated gene expression was measured by Real Time PCR. Results SOCS1 and SOCS3 proteins were expressed at basal levels in melanocytes and in all melanoma cell lines examined. Expression of the SOCS1 and SOCS3 proteins was also enhanced following stimulation of a subset of cell lines with IFN-α or IFN-γ. Over-expression of SOCS proteins in melanoma cell lines led to significant inhibition of Tyr701-phosphorylated STAT1 (P-STAT1) and gene expression following stimulation with IFN-α (IFIT2, OAS-1, ISG-15) or IFN-γ (IRF1). Conversely, siRNA inhibition of SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression in melanoma cells enhanced their responsiveness to interferon stimulation. Conclusions These data demonstrate that SOCS proteins are expressed in human melanoma cell lines and their modulation can influence the responsiveness of melanoma cells to IFN-α and IFN-γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory B Lesinski
- Department of Surgery Arthur G, James Cancer Hospital and Richard J, Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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26
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Guenterberg KD, Grignol VP, Raig ET, Zimmerer JM, Chan AN, Blaskovits FM, Young GS, Nuovo GJ, Mundy BL, Lesinski GB, Carson WE. Interleukin-29 binds to melanoma cells inducing Jak-STAT signal transduction and apoptosis. Mol Cancer Ther 2010; 9:510-20. [PMID: 20103601 PMCID: PMC2820597 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-09-0461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-29 (IL-29) is a member of the type III IFN family that has been shown to have antiviral activity and to inhibit cell growth. Melanoma cell lines were tested for expression of the IL-29 receptor (IL-29R) and their response to IL-29. Expression of IL-28R1 and IL-10R2, components of IL-29R, was evaluated using reverse transcription-PCR. A combination of immunoblot analysis and flow cytometry was used to evaluate IL-29-induced signal transduction. U133 Plus 2.0 Arrays and real-time PCR were used to evaluate gene expression. Apoptosis was measured using Annexin V/propridium iodide staining. In situ PCR for IL-29R was done on paraffin-embedded melanoma tumors. Both IL-28R1 and IL-10R2 were expressed on the A375, 1106 MEL, Hs294T, 18105 MEL, MEL 39, SK MEL 5, and F01 cell lines. Incubation of melanoma cell lines with IL-29 (10-1,000 ng/mL) led to phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and STAT2. Microarray analysis and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR showed a marked increase in transcripts of IFN-regulated genes after treatment with IL-29. In the F01 cell line, bortezomib-induced and temozolomide-induced apoptosis was synergistically enhanced following the addition of IL-29. In situ PCR revealed that IL-10R2 and IL-28R1 were present in six of eight primary human melanoma tumors but not in benign nevi specimens. In conclusion, IL-29 receptors are expressed on the surface of human melanoma cell lines and patient samples, and treatment of these cell lines with IL-29 leads to signaling via the Jak-STAT pathway, the transcription of a unique set of genes, and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristan D. Guenterberg
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Valerie P. Grignol
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Ene T. Raig
- Integrated Biomedical Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Jason M. Zimmerer
- Integrated Biomedical Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Anthony N. Chan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Farriss M. Blaskovits
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Gregory S. Young
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Gerard J. Nuovo
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Bethany L. Mundy
- Integrated Biomedical Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Gregory B. Lesinski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, The Ohio State University, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH USA
| | - William E. Carson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH USA
- Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH USA
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27
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Bill MA, Bakan C, Benson DM, Fuchs J, Young G, Lesinski GB. Curcumin induces proapoptotic effects against human melanoma cells and modulates the cellular response to immunotherapeutic cytokines. Mol Cancer Ther 2009; 8:2726-35. [PMID: 19723881 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-09-0377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Curcumin has potential as a chemopreventative and chemotherapeutic agent, but its interactions with clinically relevant cytokines are poorly characterized. Because cytokine immunotherapy is a mainstay of treatment for malignant melanoma, we hypothesized that curcumin could modulate the cellular responsiveness to interferons and interleukins. As a single agent, curcumin induced a dose-dependent increase in apoptosis of human melanoma cell lines, which was most prominent at doses >10 micromol/L. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that curcumin induced apoptosis and revealed caspase-3 processing, poly ADP ribose polymerase cleavage, reduced Bcl-2, and decreased basal phosphorylated signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). Despite its proapoptotic effects, curcumin pretreatment of human melanoma cell lines inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT1 protein and downstream gene transcription following IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma as determined by immunoblot analysis and real time PCR, respectively. Pretreatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors with curcumin also inhibited the ability of IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, and interleukin-2 to phosphorylate STAT proteins critical for their antitumor activity (STAT1 and STAT5, respectively) and their respective downstream gene expression as measured by real time PCR. Finally, stimulation of natural killer (NK) cells with curcumin reduced the level of interleukin-12-induced IFN-gamma secretion, and production of granzyme b or IFN-gamma upon coculture with A375 melanoma cells or NK-sensitive K562 cells as targets. These data show that although curcumin can induce apoptosis of melanoma cells, it can also adversely affect the responsiveness of immune effector cells to clinically relevant cytokines that possess antitumor properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Bill
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, 302B Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Bortezomib pre-treatment prolongs interferon-alpha-induced STAT1 phosphorylation in melanoma cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2009; 58:2031-7. [PMID: 19396596 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-009-0710-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor that can synergize with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) to induce apoptosis in melanoma cells in vitro and inhibit tumor growth in vivo. We hypothesized that proteasome inhibition may be an effective means to sensitize melanoma cells to the direct effects of IFN-alpha. Pre-treatment of human melanoma cells with bortezomib led to significantly increased transcription of interferon-stimulated genes as determined by real-time PCR. Flow cytometric and immunoblot analyses indicated that the enhanced direct actions of IFN-alpha on melanoma cells were the result of prolonged phosphorylation of STAT1 (P-STAT1) on both the Tyrosine(701) and Serine(727) residues. In contrast, the enhanced IFN-alpha-induced P-STAT1 was not observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells that were pre-treated with bortezomib. These data suggest that proteasome inhibition represents a mechanism to enhance the direct effects of IFN-alpha on melanoma cells thereby complementing its immunostimulatory properties.
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Humpoliková-Adámková L, Kovařík J, Dušek L, Lauerová L, Boudný V, Fait V, Fojtová M, Krejčí E, Kovařík A. Interferon-alpha treatment may negatively influence disease progression in melanoma patients by hyperactivation of STAT3 protein. Eur J Cancer 2009; 45:1315-1323. [PMID: 19232485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2009.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2008] [Accepted: 01/13/2009] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is an important drug used in anti-melanoma therapy. However, metastases eventually reappear in almost 60% of melanoma patients, who have received adjuvant cytokine therapy suggesting that IFN-alpha can paradoxically promote disease progression in some cases, at least. In this study, we have investigated the possibility that a growth-promoting STAT3 protein might be activated by interferon-alpha in melanoma cells. We examined 24 primary cultures established from node metastases of melanoma patients who were monitored in a 5-year clinical follow-up. The patients differed in the course of disease and survival end-points. Using Western blot analyses, we show that interferon-alpha stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation at tyrosine (Y705) residue in 17% of cases. These over-reactive cell populations originated from patients who had the shortest disease-free intervals. A significant correlation was obtained between the length of survival end-points and a lack of STAT3 activation by IFN-alpha. No STAT3 induction was observed in normal melanocytes. The STAT1 activation at tyrosine (Y701) occurred at a similar frequency as that of STAT3 (17%) albeit in different patients, no clear correlation with the clinical status could be made. The interferon-alpha/beta receptors (IRFARs) were expressed irrespective to the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) inducibility suggesting that signalling defects occur downstream from IRFAR. We propose that in some cases the application of IFN-alpha could increase the probability of disease progression via overactive STAT3. The tests for STAT3 inducibility prior to cytokine immunotherapy in the clinic are therefore warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Humpoliková-Adámková
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - J Kovařík
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - L Dušek
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Masaryk University, Kamenice 3, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - L Lauerová
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - V Boudný
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - V Fait
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Fojtová
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kralovopolska 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - E Krejčí
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - A Kovařík
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kralovopolska 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
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Raig ET, Jones NB, Varker KA, Benniger K, Go MR, Biber JL, Lesinski GB, Carson WE. VEGF secretion is inhibited by interferon-alpha in several melanoma cell lines. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2009; 28:553-61. [PMID: 18771339 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2008.0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is employed in the treatment of malignant melanoma; however, it mediates regression of disease in only 10-15% of patients. Currently, its mechanism of action is uncharacterized. Low-dose IFN-alpha exerts anti-angiogenic effects when used in the treatment of life-threatening hemangiomas of infancy, suggesting anti-angiogenesis as a mechanism of action. IFN-alpha may exert its anti-tumor effect in the setting of advanced malignancy by inhibiting the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a pro-angiogenic substance. We hypothesized that IFN-alpha would decrease the release of VEGF by melanoma tumors. We studied the effect of IFN-alpha on VEGF production in nine human melanoma cell lines. We also examined VEGF levels in 49 patients with advanced malignancies who received low-dose IFN-alpha and interleukin-12 (IL-12) on an NCI-sponsored phase I trial. Human melanoma cell lines produced varying amounts of VEGF in vitro (60-1500 pg/mL at 48 h). Certain melanoma cell lines such as 18105 MEL secreted low levels of VEGF (152 pg/mL) after 48 h of culture, whereas other lines secreted very high levels (FO-1 3,802 pg/mL). Treatment of melanoma cells with IFN-alpha (2000 U/mL) decreased VEGF secretion by 40-60% in VEGF-high cell lines; however, this effect was not demonstrated in VEGF-low cell lines. In cancer patients, pretreatment VEGF plasma levels varied from 471 to 4200 pg/mL. A decrease in VEGF plasma levels after treatment directly correlated with the number of treatment cycles administered (Pearson correlation, p = 0.04). In summary, IFN-alpha inhibits VEGF secretion by melanoma cell lines in vitro and may have similar actions in malignancies that respond to IFN-alpha treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ene T Raig
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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Yagil Z, Kay G, Nechushtan H, Razin E. A Specific Epitope of Protein Inhibitor of Activated STAT3 Is Responsible for the Induction of Apoptosis in Rat Transformed Mast Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 182:2168-75. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0803030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Abstract
Interferons represent a protein family with pleiotropic functions including immunomodulatory, cytostatic, and cytotoxic activities. Based on these effects, interferons are involved in innate as well as adaptive immunity, thereby shaping the tumor host immune responses. These cytokines, alone or in combination, have been successfully implemented for the treatment of some malignancies. However, it has been recently demonstrated that tumor cells could be resistant to interferon treatment, which may be associated with an escape of tumor cells from immune surveillance. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to summarize the frequency of impaired interferon signal transduction, their underlying molecular mechanisms, and their clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Medical Immunology, Halle, Germany
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