Interferon-β inhibits glioma angiogenesis through downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor and upregulation of interferon inducible protein 10

Unveiling the therapeutic prospects of IFNW1 and IFNA21: insights into glioma pathogenesis and clinical significance

Glioma, a type of brain tumor, poses significant challenges due to its heterogeneous nature and limited treatment options. Interferon-related genes (IRGs) have emerged as potential players in glioma pathogenesis, yet their expression patterns and clinical implications remain to be fully elucidated. We conducted a comprehensive analysis to investigate the expression patterns and functional enrichment of IRGs in glioma. This involved constructing protein-protein interaction networks, heatmap analysis, survival curve plotting, diagnostic and prognostic assessments, differential expression analysis across glioma subgroups, GSVA, immune infiltration analysis, and drug sensitivity analysis. Our analysis revealed distinct expression patterns and functional enrichment of IRGs in glioma. Notably, IFNW1 and IFNA21 were markedly downregulated in glioma tissues compared to normal tissues, and higher expression levels were associated with improved overall survival and disease-specific survival. Furthermore, these genes showed diagnostic capabilities in distinguishing glioma tissues from normal tissues and were significantly downregulated in higher-grade and more aggressive gliomas. Differential expression analysis across glioma subgroups highlighted the association of IFNW1 and IFNA21 expression with key pathways and biological processes, including metabolic reprogramming and immune regulation. Immune infiltration analysis revealed their influence on immune cell composition in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, elevated expression levels were associated with increased resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Our findings underscore the potential of IFNW1 and IFNA21 as diagnostic biomarkers and prognostic indicators in glioma. Their roles in modulating glioma progression, immune response, and drug sensitivity highlight their significance as potential therapeutic targets. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of glioma biology and may inform the development of personalized treatment strategies for glioma patients.

Havoc in harmony: Unravelling the intricacies of angiogenesis orchestrated by the tumor microenvironment

Cancer cells merely exist in isolation; rather, they exist in an intricate microenvironment composed of blood vessels, signalling molecules, immune cells, stroma, fibroblasts, and the ECM. The TME provides a setting that is favourable for the successful growth and survivance of tumors. Angiogenesis is a multifaceted process that is essential for the growth, invasion, and metastasis of tumors. TME can be visualized as a "concert hall," where various cellular and non-cellular factors perform in a "symphony" to orchestrate tumor angiogenesis and create "Havoc" instead of "Harmony". In this review, we comprehensively summarized the involvement of TME in regulating tumor angiogenesis. Especially, we have focused on immune cells and their secreted factors, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and their role in altering the TME. We have also deciphered the crosstalk among various cell types that further aids the process of tumor angiogenesis. Additionally, we have highlighted the limitations of existing anti-angiogenic therapy and discussed various potential strategies that could be used to overcome these challenges and improve the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy.

Signaling by Type I Interferons in Immune Cells: Disease Consequences

This review addresses interferon (IFN) signaling in immune cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) and examines how this affects cancer progression. The data reveal that IFNs exert dual roles in cancers, dependent on the TME, exhibiting both anti-tumor activity and promoting cancer progression. We discuss the abnormal IFN signaling induced by cancerous cells that alters immune responses to permit their survival and proliferation.

Human otic progenitor cell models of congenital hearing loss reveal potential pathophysiologic mechanisms of Zika virus and cytomegalovirus infections

Congenital hearing loss is a common chronic condition affecting children in both developed and developing nations. Viruses correlated with congenital hearing loss include human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), which causes congenital Zika syndrome. The mechanisms by which HCMV and ZIKV infections cause hearing loss are poorly understood. It is challenging to study human inner ear cells because they are encased in bone and also scarce as autopsy samples. Recent advances in culturing human stem cell-derived otic progenitor cells (OPCs) have allowed us herein to describe successful in vitro infection of OPCs with HCMV and ZIKV, and also to propose potential mechanisms by which each viral infection could affect hearing. We find that ZIKV infection rapidly and significantly induces the expression of type I interferon and interferon-stimulated genes, while OPC viability declines, at least in part, from apoptosis. In contrast, HCMV infection did not appear to upregulate interferons or cause a reduction in cell viability, and instead disrupted expression of key genes and pathways associated with inner ear development and function, including Cochlin, nerve growth factor receptor, SRY-box transcription factor 11, and transforming growth factor-beta signaling. These findings suggest that ZIKV and HCMV infections cause congenital hearing loss through distinct pathways, that is, by inducing progenitor cell death in the case of ZIKV infection, and by disruption of critical developmental pathways in the case of HCMV infection.

IMPORTANCE

Congenital virus infections inflict substantial morbidity and devastating disease in neonates worldwide, and hearing loss is a common outcome. It has been difficult to study viral infections of the human hearing apparatus because it is embedded in the temporal bone of the skull. Recent technological advances permit the differentiation of otic progenitor cells (OPCs) from human-induced pluripotent stem cells. This paper is important for demonstrating that inner ear virus infections can be modeled in vitro using OPCs. We infected OPCs with two viruses associated with congenital hearing loss: human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a DNA virus, or Zika virus (ZIKV), an RNA virus. An important result is that the gene expression and cytokine production profiles of HCMV/ZIKV-infected OPCs are markedly dissimilar, suggesting that mechanisms of hearing loss are also distinct. The specific molecular regulatory pathways identified in this work could suggest important targets for therapeutics.

Calycosin (CA) inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion by suppression of CXCL10 signaling pathway in glioma

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant tumor in the central nervous system and its occurrence and development is involved in various molecular abnormalities. C-X-C chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), an inflammatory chemokine, has been reported to be related to the pathogenesis of cancer while it has not yet been linked to glioma. Calycosin, a bioactive compound derived from Radix astragali, has demonstrated anticancer properties in several malignancies, including glioma. Nonetheless, its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study explores CXCL10 as a potential therapeutic target for calycosin in the suppression of glioblastoma. We observed that CXCL10 expression correlates positively with glioma malignancy and inversely with patient prognosis, highlighting its potential as a glioblastoma treatment target. Furthermore, we found that calycosin inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion in U87 and U251 glioma cells, and decreased CXCL10 expression in a dose-dependent manner, along with its downstream effectors such as NLRP3, NF-κB, and IL-1β. Additionally, molecular docking experiments demonstrated that calycosin exhibits a notable binding affinity to CXCL10. Overexpression of CXCL10 counteracted the inhibitory effects of calycosin on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while CXCL10 knockdown enhanced these effects. Finally, we verified that calycosin inhibited glioma growth in a xenograft mouse model and downregulated CXCL10 and its downstream molecules. These findings suggest that targeting CXCL10 may be an effective strategy in glioblastoma treatment, and calycosin emerges as a potential therapeutic agent.

Type I interferon and cancer

Type I interferon (IFN) is a class of proinflammatory cytokines with a dual role on malignant transformation, tumor progression, and response to therapy. On the one hand, robust, acute, and resolving type I IFN responses have been shown to mediate prominent anticancer effects, reflecting not only their direct cytostatic/cytotoxic activity on (at least some) malignant cells, but also their pronounced immunostimulatory functions. In line with this notion, type I IFN signaling has been implicated in the antineoplastic effects of various immunogenic therapeutics, including (but not limited to) immunogenic cell death (ICD)-inducing agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). On the other hand, weak, indolent, and non-resolving type I IFN responses have been demonstrated to support tumor progression and resistance to therapy, reflecting the ability of suboptimal type I IFN signaling to mediate cytoprotective activity, promote stemness, favor tolerance to chromosomal instability, and facilitate the establishment of an immunologically exhausted tumor microenvironment. Here, we review fundamental aspects of type I IFN signaling and their context-dependent impact on malignant transformation, tumor progression, and response to therapy.

Angiogenic signaling pathways and anti-angiogenic therapy for cancer

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a complex and dynamic process regulated by various pro- and anti-angiogenic molecules, which plays a crucial role in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. With the advances in molecular and cellular biology, various biomolecules such as growth factors, chemokines, and adhesion factors involved in tumor angiogenesis has gradually been elucidated. Targeted therapeutic research based on these molecules has driven anti-angiogenic treatment to become a promising strategy in anti-tumor therapy. The most widely used anti-angiogenic agents include monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. However, the clinical benefit of this modality has still been limited due to several defects such as adverse events, acquired drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and lack of validated biomarkers, which impel further research on mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis, the development of multiple drugs and the combination therapy to figure out how to improve the therapeutic efficacy. Here, we broadly summarize various signaling pathways in tumor angiogenesis and discuss the development and current challenges of anti-angiogenic therapy. We also propose several new promising approaches to improve anti-angiogenic efficacy and provide a perspective for the development and research of anti-angiogenic therapy.

Recombinant Newcastle disease virus kills liver cancer in vitro and in vivo

Aim: To construct and rescue a recombinant Newcastle disease virus that can express IP10 protein and evaluate its targeted killing effect on liver cancer in vivo and in vitro. Materials & methods: Fluorescence quantitative PCR, western blot and ELISA were used to detect the expression and secretion of IP10 in cells. The H22 mouse liver cancer cells were used to establish subcutaneous tumor-bearing mice experimental animal tumor models, and the tumor growth of mice in each group was observed while receiving treatment with rLasota. Results: The recombinant Newcastle disease virus was successfully constructed and can kill tumor cells successfully. Conclusion: The rLasota-IP10-IRES-EGFP achieves antitumor effects by killing hepatocellular carcinoma cells, enhancing T-lymphocyte infiltration in tumor tissues and inhibiting neovascularization.

The Comprehensive Analysis of Interferon-Related Prognostic Signature with regard to Immune Features in Ovarian Cancer

Interferon plays an important role in immune response of ovarian cancer. However, the expression pattern of interferon in ovarian cancer remains unclear. This study is aimed at exploring the expression profile of interferon-relate genes and constructing an interferon-based prognostic signature in ovarian cancer. The ovarian cancer samples collected from TCGA database were viewed as the training set, and ovarian cancer samples collected from GEO datasets were used as the independent validation sets. Univariate Cox regression analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to construct interferon-related signature, which worked as independent prognostic factor. Bioinformatics based on David software, GSEA, and R software were used to investigate the relationship between immune status and the signature in ovarian cancer. The signature showed close correlation with the status for ovarian cancer immune microenvironment, which might provide the possibility for clinical targeted therapy.

DNA Damage and Activation of cGAS/STING Pathway Induce Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling

DNA damage occurs throughout tumorigenesis and development. The immunogenicity of DNA makes it an immune stimulatory molecule that initiates strong inflammatory responses. The cGAS/STING pathway has been investigated as a critical receptor in both exogenous and endogenous DNA sensing to activate the innate immune response. Growing lines of evidence have indicated that activation of the cGAS/STING pathway is critical in antitumor immunity. Recent studies have demonstrated the outstanding advancement of this pathway in tumor-combined immunotherapy; accordingly, increased studies focus on exploration of STING pathway agonists and analogues. However, current studies propose the potential use of the cGAS/STING pathway in tumor initiation and metastasis. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms and activation of the cGAS/STING pathway, and the relationship between DNA damage and this pathway, particularly highlighting the remodeling of immune contexture in tumor environment (TME) triggered by cascade inflammatory signals. A detailed understanding of TME reprogramming initiated by this pathway may pave the way for the development of new therapeutic strategies and rational clinical application.

HIV-1 Nef Protein Affects Cytokine and Extracellular Vesicles Production in the GEN2.2 Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Line

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a unique dendritic cell subset specialized in type I interferon production, whose role in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and pathogenesis is complex and not yet well defined. Considering the crucial role of the accessory protein Nef in HIV pathogenicity, possible alterations in intracellular signalling and extracellular vesicle (EV) release induced by exogenous Nef on uninfected pDCs have been investigated. As an experimental model system, a human plasmacytoid dendritic cell line, GEN2.2, stimulated with a myristoylated recombinant Nef_SF2 protein was employed. In GEN2.2 cells, Nef treatment induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT-1 and STAT-2 and the production of a set of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors including IP-10, MIP-1β, MCP-1, IL-8, TNF-α and G-CSF. The released factors differed both in type and amount from those released by macrophages treated with the same viral protein. Moreover, Nef treatment slightly reduces the production of small EVs, and the protein was found associated with the small (size < 200 nm) but not the medium/large vesicles (size > 200 nm) collected from GEN2.2 cells. These results add new information on the interactions between this virulence factor and uninfected pDCs, and may provide the basis for further studies on the interactions of Nef protein with primary pDCs.

IFN-β reduces NRP-1 expression on human cord blood monocytes and inhibits VEGF-induced chemotaxis

Type I interferons (IFNs) inhibit angiogenesis, the sprouting of new blood vessels, during tissue development, remodeling, and tumor growth. One of the major targets type I IFNs inhibit are circulating monocytes, which promote vascular development by secreting growth factors, chemokines, and proteases. This study tested the hypothesis that IFN-β directly inhibits monocyte chemotaxis towards VEGF. We were interested in looking at chemotaxis towards VEGF because VEGF is known to create a pro-angiogenesis environment by acting as a stimulator and chemotactic factor for endothelial cells and monocytes. Here, we demonstrate that IFN-β, a type I IFN, downregulates neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) expression by human monocytes and inhibits chemotaxis induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a NRP-1 ligand. Together, the data suggest that IFN-β directly downregulates NRP-1 expression in monocytes, thus inhibiting monocyte chemotaxis toward a VEGF enriched environment.

Dilation of Brain Veins and Perivascular Infiltration by Glioblastoma Cells in an In Vivo Assay of Early Tumor Angiogenesis

The cranial window (CW) technique provides a simple and low-cost method to assess tumor angiogenesis in the brain. The CW combined with histology using selective markers for tumor and endothelial cells can allow a sensitive monitoring of novel antiangiogenesis therapies in preclinical models. The CW was established in cyclosporine immunosuppressed rats that were stereotactically grafted with fluorescent U87MG glioblastoma cells. One to 3 weeks after grafting, brain vasculature was visualized in vivo and assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy using antibodies against endothelial and smooth-muscle cells and blood brain barrier. At 1-2 weeks after grafting, the CW reliably detected the hypertrophy of venous-venous anastomoses and cortical veins. These structures increased highly significantly their pregrafting diameter. Arterialized veins and hemorrhages were seen by three weeks after grafting. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed significant branching and dilation of microvessels, particularly those surrounded by tumor cells. Mechanistically, these changes lead to loss of vascular resistance, increased venous outflow, and opening of venous-venous anastomoses on the cortical surface. Data from the present study, namely, the hypertrophy of cortical venous-venous anastomoses, microvessel branching, and dilation of the microvessels surrounded by tumor cells, indicate the power of this in vivo model for the sensitive monitoring of early tumor angiogenesis.

Opposing Roles of Type I Interferons in Cancer Immunity

The immune system is tasked with identifying malignant cells to eliminate or prevent cancer spread. This involves a complex orchestration of many immune cell types that together recognize different aspects of tumor transformation and growth. In response, tumors have developed mechanisms to circumvent immune attack. Type I interferons (IFN-Is) are a class of proinflammatory cytokines produced in response to viruses and other environmental stressors. IFN-Is are also emerging as essential drivers of antitumor immunity, potently stimulating the ability of immune cells to eliminate tumor cells. However, a more complicated role for IFN-Is has arisen, as prolonged stimulation can promote feedback inhibitory mechanisms that contribute to immune exhaustion and other deleterious effects that directly or indirectly permit cancer cells to escape immune clearance. We review the fundamental and opposing functions of IFN-Is that modulate tumor growth and impact immune function and ultimately how these functions can be harnessed for the design of new cancer therapies.

[Effect of different groups of first line DMT on endothelial damage in multiple sclerosis]

INTRODUCTION

Vascular changes, including destabilization of the blood-brain barrier, are common pathological signs in multiple sclerosis (MS). There are prerequisites, which indicate the direct effects of disease modifying therapy (DMT) on the state of the vascular wall and reduce the damage to the endothelium in MS.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

Was to identify and evaluate the relationship of endothelial dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis with used DMT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 85 patients with a reliable diagnosis of MS according to the McDonald criteria of 2010 (56 women, 29 men) aged from 17 to 62 years (average age 36.3±1.2 years). All patients underwent a comprehensive clinical and neurological examination, laboratory tests (blood serum analysis for the content of adhesion molecules sICAM-1, sPECAM-1, sE-selectin, sP-selectin, for the content of homocysteine and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMR-9) by ELISA; blood plasma analysis for Von Willebrand factor antigen (vWf) by ELISA).

The results of the study indicate a decrease of endothelial damage in MS during interferon therapy. Its also allow the use of indicators such as von Willebrand factor antigen, sPECAM-1, sE-selectin levels as potential markers of the effectiveness of DMT.

DNA Polyplexes of a Phosphorylcholine-Based Zwitterionic Polymer for Gene Delivery

PURPOSE

We tested polyplexes of a diblock polymer containing a pH-responsive, endosomolytic core (dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate; DB) and a zwitterionic Poly (methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) corona for the delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA) to glioblastoma cells.

METHODS

We studied the physicochemical characteristics of the DNA polyplexes such as particle hydrodynamic diameter and surface potential. Cytocompatibility of free PMPC-DB polymer and pDNA polyplexes with U-87MG and U-138MG glioma cell lines were evaluated using the ATP assay. The transfection activity of luciferase pDNA polyplexes was measured using a standard luciferase assay. Anti-proliferative, apoptotic, and cell migration inhibitory activities of PMPC-DB/Interferon-beta (IFN-β1) pDNA polyplexes were examined using ATP assay, flow cytometry, and wound closure assay, respectively.

RESULTS

PMPC-DB copolymer condensed pDNA into nanosized polyplexes. DNA polyplexes showed particle diameters ranging from ca. 100-150 nm with narrow polydispersity indices and near electroneutral zeta potential values. PMPC-DB/Luciferase pDNA polyplexes were safe and showed an 18-fold increase in luciferase expression compared to the gold standard PEI polyplexes in U-87MG cells. PMPC-DB/IFN-β1 polyplexes induced apoptosis, demonstrated anti-proliferative effects, and retarded cell migration in glioblastoma cells.

CONCLUSION

The results described herein should guide the future optimization of PMPC-DB/DNA delivery systems for in vivo studies.

The Interactions Between Cancer Stem Cells and the Innate Interferon Signaling Pathway

Interferons (IFNs) form a family of cytokines with pleiotropic effects that modulate the immune response against multiple challenges like viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. While numerous anti-tumor activities have been described for IFNs, IFNs have also been associated with tumor growth and progression. The effect of IFNs on apoptosis, angiogenesis, tumor cell immunogenicity, and modulation of immune cells have been largely studied; however, less is known about their specific effects on cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs constitute a subpopulation of tumor cells endowed with stem-like properties including self-renewal, chemoresistance, tumorigenic capacity, and quiescence. This rare and unique subpopulation of cells is believed to be responsible for tumor maintenance, metastatic spread, and relapse. Thus, this review aims to summarize and discuss the current knowledge of the anti- and pro-CSCs effects of IFNs and also to highlight the need for further research on the interplay between IFNs and CSCs. Importantly, understanding this interplay will surely help to exploit the anti-tumor effects of IFNs, specifically those that target CSCs.

A Dual Role of Type I Interferons in Antitumor Immunity

Type I interferons (IFN-Is) are a family of cytokines that exert direct antiviral effects and regulate innate and adaptive immune responses through direct and indirect mechanisms. It is generally believed that IFN-Is repress tumor development via restricting tumor proliferation and inducing antitumor immune responses. However, recent emerging evidence suggests that IFN-Is play a dual role in antitumor immunity. That is, in the early stage of tumorigenesis, IFN-Is promote the antitumor immune response by enhancing antigen presentation in antigen-presenting cells and activating CD8⁺ T cells. However, in the late stage of tumor progression, persistent expression of IFN-Is induces the expression of immunosuppressive factors (PD-L1, IDO, and IL-10) on the surface of dendritic cells and other bone marrow cells and inhibits their antitumor immunity. This review outlines these dual functions of IFN-Is in antitumor immunity and elucidates the involved mechanisms, as well as their applications in tumor therapy.

Interferons α and β in cancer: therapeutic opportunities from new insights

Over the past decade, preclinical and clinical research have confirmed the essential role of interferons for effective host immunological responses to malignant cells. Type I interferons (IFNα and IFNβ) directly regulate transcription of >100 downstream genes, which results in a myriad of direct (on cancer cells) and indirect (through immune effector cells and vasculature) effects on the tumour. New insights into endogenous and exogenous activation of type I interferons in the tumour and its microenvironment have given impetus to drug discovery and patient evaluation of interferon-directed strategies. When combined with prior observations or with other effective modalities for cancer treatment, modulation of the interferon system could contribute to further reductions in cancer morbidity and mortality. This Review discusses new interferon-directed therapeutic opportunities, ranging from cyclic dinucleotides to genome methylation inhibitors, angiogenesis inhibitors, chemoradiation, complexes with neoantigen-targeted monoclonal antibodies, combinations with other emerging therapeutic interventions and associations of interferon-stimulated gene expression with patient prognosis - all of which are strategies that have or will soon enter translational clinical evaluation.

Development and validation of an interferon signature predicting prognosis and treatment response for glioblastoma

Background: Interferon treatment, as an important approach of anti-tumor immunotherapy, has been implemented in multiple clinical trials of glioma. However, only a small number of gliomas benefit from it. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the clinical role of interferons and to establish robust biomarkers to facilitate its application. Materials and methods: This study reviewed 1,241 glioblastoma (GBM) and 1,068 lower grade glioma (LGG) patients from six glioma cohorts. The transcription matrix and clinical information were analyzed using R software, GraphPad Prism 7 and Medcalc, etc. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were performed for validation in protein level. Results: Interferon signaling was significantly enhanced in GBM. An interferon signature was developed based on five interferon genes with prognostic significance, which could reflect various interferon statuses. Survival analysis showed the signature could serve as an unfavorable prognostic factor independently. We also established a nomogram model integrating the risk signature into traditional prognostic factors, which increased the validity of survival prediction. Moreover, high-risk group conferred resistance to chemotherapy and high IFNB1 expression levels. Functional analysis showed that the high-risk group was associated with overloaded immune response. Microenvironment analysis and IHC staining found that high-risk group occupied a disorganized microenvironment which was characterized by an enrichment of M0 macrophages and neutrophils, but less infiltration of activated nature killing (NK) cells and M1 type macrophages. Conclusion: This interferon signature was an independent indicator for unfavorable prognosis and showed great potential for screening out patients who will benefit from chemotherapy and interferon treatment.

Novel therapeutic strategies for advanced ovarian cancer by using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived myelomonocytic cells producing interferon beta

Although first‐line chemotherapy has a high rate of complete responses in ovarian cancer patients, the vast majority of patients present with recurrent disease that has become refractory to conventional chemotherapy. Peritoneal dissemination and malignant ascites are the hallmarks of recurrent or advanced ovarian cancer and severely reduce quality of life. Development of therapeutic measures to treat such patients is eagerly anticipated. Macrophage infiltration is observed in various types of cancer including epithelial ovarian cancer. In addition, macrophages are involved in the formation of spheroids in the malignant ascites of ovarian cancer and promote cancer growth. iPS‐ML, macrophage‐like myelomonocytic cells generated from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, made close contacts with ovarian cancer cells in vitro. We hypothesized that, if we inoculate iPS‐ML‐producing IFN‐β (iPS‐ML/IFN‐β) into the peritoneal cavity of patients with ovarian cancer, IFN‐β produced by the iPS‐ML/IFN‐β would efficiently act on the cancer cells to suppress cancer growth. To evaluate this hypothesis, we injected iPS‐ML/IFN‐β into SCID mice bearing peritoneally disseminated human ovarian cancer cells, SKOV3. Immunohistochemical analysis of the intraperitoneal tumors detected iPS‐ML/IFN‐β infiltrating into the cancer tissues. Therapy with iPS‐ML/IFN‐β significantly suppressed tumor progression. In addition, dramatic reduction of cancer‐related ascites was observed. Collectively, it is suggested that iPS‐ML/IFN‐β therapy offers a new approach for the treatment of patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

Targeted therapy of chronic liver diseases with the inhibitors of angiogenesis

Angiogenesis appears to be intrinsically associated with the progression of chronic liver diseases, which eventually leads to the development of cirrhosis and related complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Several studies have suggested that this association is relevant for chronic liver disease (CLD) progression, with angiogenesis. The fact that angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in CLDs gives rise to new opportunities for treating CLDs. Inhibitor of angiogenesis has proved effective for the treatment of patients suffering from CLD. However, it is limited in diagnosis. The last decade has witnessed a plethora of publications which elucidate the potential of angiogenesis inhibitors for the therapy of CLD. The close relationship between the progression of CLDs and angiogenesis emphasizes the need for anti-angiogenic therapy to block/slow down CLD progression. The present review summarizes all these discussions, the results of the related studies carried out to date and the future prospects in this field. We discuss liver angiogenesis in normal and pathophysiologic conditions with a focus on the role and future use of angiogenic factors as second-line treatment of CLD. This review compiles relevant findings and offers opinions that have emerged in last few years relating liver angiogenesis and its treatment using anti-angiogenic factors.

Thrombotic Microangiopathy Presenting with Intestinal Involvement Following Long-term Interferon-β1b Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) are systemic microvascular occlusive disorders. The present report describes a patient with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who had been treated with interferon (IFN)-β1b therapy for eight years and developed TMA. The patient presented with headache, thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction, severe hypertension, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and gastrointestinal involvement. After discontinuation of the medication and initiation of antihypertensive treatment, the patient rapidly improved. This is the first report of TMA with gastrointestinal involvement (intestinal TMA) induced by IFN-β. The new onset of hypertension or headache requires careful attention in cases of long-term administration of IFN-β1b.

Endothelial cell functions impaired by interferon in vitro: Insights into the molecular mechanism of thrombotic microangiopathy associated with interferon therapy

INTRODUCTION

Interferon (IFN)-α and IFN-β approved for treatment of chronic hepatitis C viral infection and multiple sclerosis respectively have been linked to thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) affecting renal function. Since the molecular mechanisms underlying this severe complication remain largely unclear, we aimed to investigate whether IFN affects directly in vitro endothelial cell functions associated with angiogenesis and blood haemostasis, as well as endothelial cell-derived vasodilators of nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin.

METHODS

Proliferation and survival of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were measured by BrdU incorporation and alamarBlue assays. Angiogenesis was evaluated in co-cultures of HUVECs and human dermal fibroblasts. Fibrinolysis molecules were measured with ELISA. NO and prostacyclin were measured using a fluorescent NO-specific probe and a competitive enzyme immunoassay, respectively.

RESULTS

HUVEC proliferation was dose-dependently inhibited by IFN-β1a and IFN-β1b, but not by IFN-α2a and IFN-α2b. Consistently, IFN-β1a and IFN-β1b also reduced survival of HUVECs, but this again was not observed with IFN-α. However, both IFN subtypes inhibited VEGF-induced development of capillary-like structures, but the effect of IFN-α was less potent than IFN-β. In addition, both IFN subtypes upregulated interferon inducible protein 10 production from treated co-cultures while suppressing angiogenesis. Furthermore, intracellular NO generation was reduced by IFN-α2a and IFN-β1a, whereas prostacyclin release from HUVECs was not affected by IFN. Importantly, both IFN-β1a- and IFN-β1b-treated HUVECs showed a marked reduction in urokinase-type plasminogen activator release and a much greater secretion of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 than tissue-type plasminogen activator compared with untreated cells, suggesting decreased fibrinolytic activity. IFN-α, however was less effective in modulating the fibrinolysis system.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate the detrimental effects of IFN on endothelial cell functions mediated with angiogenesis and fibrinolysis, which could potentially cause the loss of physiological endothelium thromboresistance and facilitate the development of vascular complications in a clinical setting. Mechanistically, our findings have implications for understanding how IFN therapy can foster the development of TMA.

Therapy of primary and metastatic liver cancer by human iPS cell-derived myeloid cells producing interferon-β

BACKGROUND

iPS-ML are myeloid lineage cells with a proliferative capacity derived from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This study aimed to examine therapeutic effect of iPS-ML producing interferon-β (iPS-ML/IFN-β) towards primary and metastatic liver cancer and investigate the mechanism of that effect.

METHODS

We established a xenograft model of liver metastasis by injecting the spleen of SCID mice with MKN-45 human gastric cancer cells and also a primary liver cancer model by injecting SK-HEP-1 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells into the liver. After cancer lesions were established, iPS-ML/IFN-β was administered by intraperitoneal injection, and therapeutic effect was evaluated.

RESULTS

The i.p. injection of iPS-ML/IFN-β resulted in a significant retardation of cancer progression and prolonged mouse survival. The infiltration of i.p. administered iPS-ML into tumor lesions located below the liver capsule was observed, suggesting tumor-directed migration and penetration of the liver capsule by iPS-ML. The IFN-β concentration in the liver was maintained at levels sufficient to exert an anti-cancer effect for at least 3 days post-injection, accounting for the potent therapeutic effect obtained by injection two to three times per week.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of the iPS-ML/IFN-β in patients with liver cancer.

The Essential Role of Type I Interferons in Differentiation and Activation of Tumor-Associated Neutrophils

Type I interferons (IFNs) were first characterized in the process of viral interference. However, since then, IFNs are found to be involved in a wide range of biological processes. In the mouse, type I IFNs comprise a large family of cytokines. At least 12 IFN-α and one IFN-β can be found and they all signal through the same receptor (IFNAR). A hierarchy of expression has been established for type I IFNs, where IFN-β is induced first and it activates in a paracrine and autocrine fashion a cascade of other type I IFNs. Besides its importance in the induction of the IFN cascade, IFN-β is also constitutively expressed in low amounts under normal non-inflammatory conditions, thus facilitating "primed" state of the immune system. In the context of cancer, type I IFNs show strong antitumor function as they play a key role in mounting antitumor immune responses through the modulation of neutrophil differentiation, activation, and migration. Owing to their plasticity, neutrophils play diverse roles during cancer development and metastasis since they possess both tumor-promoting (N2) and tumor-limiting (N1) properties. Notably, the differentiation into antitumor phenotype is strongly supported by type I IFNs. It could also be shown that these cytokines are critical for the suppression of neutrophil migration into tumor and metastasis site by regulating chemokine receptors, e.g., CXCR2 on these cells and by influencing their longevity. Type I IFNs limit the life span of neutrophils by influencing both, the extrinsic as well as the intrinsic apoptosis pathways. Such antitumor neutrophils efficiently suppress the pro-angiogenic factors expression, e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metallopeptidase 9. This in turn restricts tumor vascularization and growth. Thus, type I IFNs appear to be the part of the natural tumor surveillance mechanism. Here we provide an up to date review of how type I IFNs influence the pro- and antitumor properties of neutrophils. Understanding these mechanisms is particularly important from a therapeutic point of view.

Circulating IGF-1 deficiency exacerbates hypertension-induced microvascular rarefaction in the mouse hippocampus and retrosplenial cortex: implications for cerebromicrovascular and brain aging

Strong epidemiological and experimental evidence indicate that both age and hypertension lead to significant functional and structural impairment of the cerebral microcirculation, predisposing to the development of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and Alzheimer's disease. Preclinical studies establish a causal link between cognitive decline and microvascular rarefaction in the hippocampus, an area of brain important for learning and memory. Age-related decline in circulating IGF-1 levels results in functional impairment of the cerebral microvessels; however, the mechanistic role of IGF-1 deficiency in impaired hippocampal microvascularization remains elusive. The present study was designed to characterize the additive/synergistic effects of IGF-1 deficiency and hypertension on microvascular density and expression of genes involved in angiogenesis and microvascular regression in the hippocampus. To achieve that goal, we induced hypertension in control and IGF-1 deficient mice (Igf1 f/f  + TBG-Cre-AAV8) by chronic infusion of angiotensin II. We found that circulating IGF-1 deficiency is associated with decreased microvascular density and exacerbates hypertension-induced microvascular rarefaction both in the hippocampus and the neocortex. The anti-angiogenic hippocampal gene expression signature observed in hypertensive IGF-1 deficient mice in the present study provides important clues for subsequent studies to elucidate mechanisms by which hypertension may contribute to the pathogenesis and clinical manifestation of VCI. In conclusion, adult-onset, isolated endocrine IGF-1 deficiency exerts deleterious effects on the cerebral microcirculation, leading to a significant decline in cortical and hippocampal capillarity and exacerbating hypertension-induced cerebromicrovascular rarefaction. The morphological impairment of the cerebral microvasculature induced by IGF-1 deficiency and hypertension reported here, in combination with neurovascular uncoupling, increased blood-brain barrier disruption and neuroinflammation reported in previous studies likely contribute to the pathogenesis of vascular cognitive impairment in elderly hypertensive humans.

Poly (I:C) transfection induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in cervical cancer

Polyinosinic acid:polycytidylic acid, known as poly (I:C), is an analogue of double‑stranded RNA, which exhibits direct antitumor effects against several types of cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of poly (I:C) in the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. The HeLa human cervical cancer cell line was used in the present study, and cell apoptosis was determined following poly (I:C) transfection. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of interferon (IFN)‑β, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage, mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) and the release of cytochrome c, as well as caspase activation, were determined. The effect of IFN‑β on poly (I:C) transfection‑mediated apoptosis was also examined by IFN‑β knockdown. The results showed that poly (I:C) transfection markedly induced HeLa apoptosis, increased the protein levels of pro‑apoptotic B cell lymphoma‑2 (Bcl‑2)‑associated X protein (Bax) and BH3 interacting‑domain death agonist (Bid), and suppressed the protein expression levels of anti‑apoptotic Bcl‑2 and Survivin. However, poly (I:C) transfection increased the mRNA levels of IFN‑β, induced ROS production and increased the levels of phosphorylated γH2A.X, an indicator of DNA damage. In addition, poly (I:C) transfection decreased ∆Ψm, triggered the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol, and induced caspase‑9 and ‑3 activation. IFN‑β knockdown decreased the poly (I:C)‑induced production of ROS and DNA damage, restored ∆Ψm and cytochrome c release, and suppressed caspase‑9 and ‑3 activation, thereby suppressing poly (I:C)‑mediated apoptosis in the HeLa cells. Together, the results of the present study demonstrated that poly (I:C) transfection induced IFN‑β, contributing to ROS production, DNA damage, and caspase‑9 and ‑3 activation in the HeLa cervical cancer cell line, leading to mitochondrial‑mediated apoptosis.

A new horizon of moyamoya disease and associated health risks explored through RNF213

The cerebrovascular disorder moyamoya disease (MMD) was first described in 1957 in Japan, and is typically considered to be an Asian-specific disease. However, it is globally recognized as one of the major causes of childhood stroke. Although several monogenic diseases are known to be complicated by Moyamoya angiopathy, the ring finger protein 213 gene (RNF213) was identified as a susceptibility gene for MMD. RNF213 is unusual, because (1) it induces MMD with no other recognizable phenotypes, (2) the RNF213 p.R4810K variant is an Asian founder mutation common to Japanese, Korean and Chinese with carrier rates of 0.5–2 % of the general population but a low penetrance, and (3) it encodes a relatively largest proteins with a dual AAA+ ATPase and E3 Ligase activities. In this review, we focus on the genetics and genetic epidemiology of RNF213, the pathology of RNF213 R4810K, and the molecular functions of RNF213, and also address the public health contributions to current unresolved issues of MMD. We also emphasize the importance of a more updated definition for MMD, of qualified cohort studies based on genetic epidemiology and an awareness of the ethical issues associated with genetic testing of carriers.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells co-expressing interleukin-18 and interferon-β exhibit potent antitumor effect against intracranial glioma in rats

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are promising gene vehicles for cancer gene therapy. In our previous study, we reported that BMSCs expressing interleukin (IL)-18 effectively inhibit the growth of glioma in rats. In the present study, we further detected the effect of BMSCs co-expressing IL-18 and interferon (IFN)-β, both of which are immunostimulatory cytokines. BMSCs were genetically engineered to express IL-18 and IFN-β by transfection of recombinant lentivirus-mediated gene transfer. Results showed that BMSCs co-expressing the two cytokines displayed more significant inhibition effect on glioma cell growth in vitro when compared with BMSCs solely expressing IL-18 or IFN-β. Treatment of BMSCs co-expressing IL-18 and IFN-β significantly prolonged the survival and inhibited tumor growth in a rat intracranial glioma model. Furthermore, these genetically engineered BMSCs remarkably promoted cell apoptosis, antitumor cytokine production and CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell infiltration in intracranial glioma tissues than BMSCs solely expressing IL-18 or IFN-β. Results of the present study suggested that IL-18 and IFN-β had a synergistic effect on glioma inhibition. Moreover, results provided evidence that delivery of IL-18 and IFN-β by BMSCs may be an excellent and promising approach to develop an effective treatment protocol for glioma therapy.