Immunologic signatures of response and resistance to nivolumab with ipilimumab in advanced metastatic cancer.

Identifying pan-tumor biomarkers that predict responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is critically needed. In the AMADEUS clinical trial (NCT03651271), patients with various advanced solid tumors were assessed for changes in intratumoral CD8 percentages and their response to ICI. Patients were grouped based on tumoral CD8 levels: those with CD8 <15% (CD8-low) received nivolumab (anti-PD-1) plus ipilimumab (anti-CTLA4) and those with CD8 ≥15% (CD8-high) received nivolumab monotherapy. 79 patients (72 CD8-low and 7 CD8-high) were treated. The disease control rate was 25.0% (18/72; 95% CI: 15.8-35.2) in CD8-low and 14.3% (1/7; 95% CI: 1.1-43.8) in CD8-high. Tumors from 35.9% (14/39; 95% CI: 21.8-51.4) of patients converted from CD8 <15% pretreatment to ≥15% after treatment. Multiomic analyses showed that CD8-low responders had an inflammatory tumor microenvironment pretreatment, enhanced by an influx of CD8 T cells, CD4 T cells, B cells, and macrophages upon treatment. These findings reveal crucial pan-cancer immunological features for ICI response in patients with metastatic disease.

Evaluation of 147 perfluoroalkyl substances for immunotoxic and other (patho)physiological activities through phenotypic screening of human primary cells.

A structurally diverse set of 147 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was screened in a panel of 12 human primary cell systems by measuring 148 biomarkers relevant to (patho)physiological pathways to inform hypotheses about potential mechanistic effects of data-poor PFAS in human model systems. This analysis focused on immunosuppressive activity, which was previously reported as an in vivo effect of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), by comparing PFAS responses to four pharmacological immunosuppressants. The PFOS response profile had little correlation with reference immunosuppressants, suggesting in vivo activity does not occur by similar mechanisms. The PFOA response profile did share features with the profile of dexamethasone, although some distinct features were lacking. Other PFAS, including 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl acrylate, demonstrated more similarity to the reference immunosuppressants but with additional activities not found in the reference immunosuppressive drugs. Correlation of PFAS profiles with a database of environmental chemical responses and pharmacological probes identified potential mechanisms of bioactivity for some PFAS, including responses similar to ubiquitin ligase inhibitors, deubiquitylating enzyme (DUB) inhibitors, and thioredoxin reductase inhibitors. Approximately 21% of the 147 PFAS with confirmed sample quality were bioactive at nominal testing concentrations in the 1-60 micromolar range in these human primary cell systems. These data provide new hypotheses for mechanisms of action for a subset of PFAS and may further aid in development of a PFAS categorization strategy useful in safety assessment.

Comparative phenotypic profiling of the JAK2 inhibitors ruxolitinib, fedratinib, momelotinib, and pacritinib reveals distinct mechanistic signatures.

Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling is critical to multiple cellular processes, including survival, differentiation, and proliferation. JAK-STAT signaling dysregulation has been noted in inflammatory disorders, and aberrant JAK2 pathway activation has been implicated in myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera. Moreover, 4 therapeutic JAK2 inhibitors (ruxolitinib, fedratinib, momelotinib, and pacritinib) have either been approved or are in advanced clinical development for myelofibrosis. Although all inhibit JAK2, reports indicate that they also inhibit other kinases. Profiling based solely on in vitro potencies is insufficient to predict the observed clinical effects. To provide further translational insights into clinical outcomes, we compared phenotypic biomarker profiles of ruxolitinib, fedratinib, momelotinib, and pacritinib in the BioMAP® Diversity PLUS panel of 12 human primary cell systems designed to recapitulate key aspects of tissue and disease states. Biomarker activity profiles that represent mechanistic signatures for each agent were compared with each other and a database of reference benchmark profiles. At clinically relevant concentrations, these agents had distinct biomarker impacts indicating diverse mechanistic signatures, suggesting divergent clinical effects for each agent. They disparately modulated inflammatory cytokine production and immune function. At clinically relevant concentrations, ruxolitinib had the broadest scope of activities across all 12 cellular systems, whereas pacritinib was more specific for the BT system (modelling T cell-dependent B cell activation) and exhibited the strongest inhibition of sIL-17A, sIL-2, and sIL-6. All 4 agents were antiproliferative to B cells, but ruxolitinib and momelotinib were also antiproliferative to T cells. These differential activities likely reflect distinct secondary pharmacology for these agents known primarily as JAK2 inhibitors. The phenotypic analysis reported herein represents key data on distinct modes-of-action that may provide insights on clinical outcomes reported for these agents. Such translational findings may also inform the development of next-generation molecules with improved efficacy and safety.

Cholera toxin enhances interleukin-17A production in both CD4+ and CD8+ cells via a cAMP/protein kinase A-mediated interleukin-17A promoter activation.

Cholera toxin (CT) is a bacterial component that increases intracellular cAMP levels in host cells and suppresses T-cell activation. Recently, CT was reported to induce T helper type 17-skewing dendritic cells and activate interleukin-17A (IL-17A) production in CD4+ T cells through a cAMP-dependent pathway. However, the underlying mechanism by which cAMP regulates IL-17A production in T cells is not completely defined. In this study, we took advantage of a small molecule protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor (H89) and different cAMP analogues: a PKA-specific activator (N6-benzoyl-adenosine-cAMP), an exchange protein activated by cAMP-specific activator (Rp-8-chlorophenylthio-2'-O-methyl cAMP), and a PKA inhibitor (Rp-8-bromo-cAMP), to elucidate the signalling cascade of cAMP in IL-17A regulation in T cells. We found that CT induced IL-17A production and IL-17A promoter activity in activated CD4+ T cells through a cAMP/PKA pathway. Moreover, this regulation was via cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) -mediated transcriptional activation by using the transfection of an IL-17A promoter-luciferase reporter construct and CREB small interfering RNA in Jurkat cells. Also, we showed that CREB bound to the CRE motif located at -183 of the IL-17A promoter in vitro. Most interestingly, not only in CD4+ T cells, CT also enhanced cAMP/PKA-dependent IL-17A production and CREB phosphorylation in CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that CT induces an IL-17A-dominated immune microenvironment through the cAMP/PKA/CREB signalling pathway. Our study also highlights the potentials of CT and cAMP in modulating T helper type 17 responses in vivo.

Mechanisms of Skin Toxicity Associated with Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 Negative Allosteric Modulators.

Cutaneous reactions represent one of the most common adverse drug effects observed in clinical trials leading to substantial compound attrition. Three negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), which represent an important target for neurological diseases, developed by Pfizer, were recently failed in preclinical development due to delayed type IV skin hypersensitivity observed in non-human primates (NHPs). Here we employed large-scale phenotypic profiling in standardized panels of human primary cell/co-culture systems to characterize the skin toxicity mechanism(s) of mGluR5 NAMs from two different series. Investigation of a database of chemicals tested in these systems and transcriptional profiling suggested that the mechanism of toxicity may involve modulation of nuclear receptor targets RAR/RXR, and/or VDR with AhR antagonism. The studies reported here demonstrate how phenotypic profiling of preclinical drug candidates using human primary cells can provide insights into the mechanisms of toxicity and inform early drug discovery and development campaigns.

A Novel Nuclear Function for the Interleukin-17 Signaling Adaptor Protein Act1.

In the context of the human airway, interleukin-17A (IL-17A) signaling is associated with severe inflammation, as well as protection against pathogenic infection, particularly at mucosal surfaces such as the airway. The intracellular molecule Act1 has been demonstrated to be an essential mediator of IL-17A signaling. In the cytoplasm, it serves as an adaptor protein, binding to both the intracellular domain of the IL-17 receptor as well as members of the canonical nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. It also has enzymatic activity, and serves as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. In the context of airway epithelial cells, we demonstrate for the first time that Act1 is also present in the nucleus, especially after IL-17A stimulation. Ectopic Act1 expression can also increase the nuclear localization of Act1. Act1 can up-regulate the expression and promoter activity of a subset of IL-17A target genes in the absence of IL-17A signaling in a manner that is dependent on its N- and C-terminal domains, but is NF-κB independent. Finally, we show that nuclear Act1 can bind to both distal and proximal promoter regions of DEFB4, one of the IL-17A responsive genes. This transcriptional regulatory activity represents a novel function for Act1. Taken together, this is the first report to describe a non-adaptor function of Act1 by directly binding to the promoter region of IL-17A responsive genes and directly regulate their transcription.

Generation of a Selective Small Molecule Inhibitor of the CBP/p300 Bromodomain for Leukemia Therapy.

The histone acetyltransferases CBP/p300 are involved in recurrent leukemia-associated chromosomal translocations and are key regulators of cell growth. Therefore, efforts to generate inhibitors of CBP/p300 are of clinical value. We developed a specific and potent acetyl-lysine competitive protein-protein interaction inhibitor, I-CBP112, that targets the CBP/p300 bromodomains. Exposure of human and mouse leukemic cell lines to I-CBP112 resulted in substantially impaired colony formation and induced cellular differentiation without significant cytotoxicity. I-CBP112 significantly reduced the leukemia-initiating potential of MLL-AF9(+) acute myeloid leukemia cells in a dose-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, I-CBP112 increased the cytotoxic activity of BET bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 as well as doxorubicin. Collectively, we report the development and preclinical evaluation of a novel, potent inhibitor targeting CBP/p300 bromodomains that impairs aberrant self-renewal of leukemic cells. The synergistic effects of I-CBP112 and current standard therapy (doxorubicin) as well as emerging treatment strategies (BET inhibition) provide new opportunities for combinatorial treatment of leukemia and potentially other cancers.

IL-17A and Th17 cells in lung inflammation: an update on the role of Th17 cell differentiation and IL-17R signaling in host defense against infection.

The significance of Th17 cells and interleukin- (IL-)17A signaling in host defense and disease development has been demonstrated in various infection and autoimmune models. Numerous studies have indicated that Th17 cells and its signature cytokine IL-17A are critical to the airway's immune response against various bacteria and fungal infection. Cytokines such as IL-23, which are involved in Th17 differentiation, play a critical role in controlling Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumonia) infection. IL-17A acts on nonimmune cells in infected tissues to strengthen innate immunity by inducing the expression of antimicrobial proteins, cytokines, and chemokines. Mice deficient in IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) expression are susceptible to infection by various pathogens. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in unraveling the mechanism behind Th17 cell differentiation, IL-17A/IL-17R signaling, and also the importance of IL-17A in pulmonary infection.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced MUC5AC expression: aryl hydrocarbon receptor-independent/EGFR/ERK/p38-dependent SP1-based transcription.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a potent environmental toxicant. Epidemiological studies have associated TCDD exposure with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is manifested by mucous/goblet cell hyperplasia. The purpose of this research was to elucidate the pathway/mechanisms that lead to TCDD-induced gene expression in both primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells and an immortalized cell line, HBE1, under air-liquid interface conditions. TCDD exposure induced a time-dependent elevation of MUC5AC mRNA and protein synthesis, and cytochrome p450 1A1 (CYP1A1) expression in these cells. Treatment with an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist had no effect on TCDD-induced MUC5AC expression, but significantly suppressed CYP1A1 induction. However, treatments with inhibitors of signaling pathways and the expression of dominant negative mutants of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38, but not the inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway, abrogated MUC5AC induction, but not that of CYP1A1. These effects also occurred at the MUC5AC promoter-reporter level using the chimeric construct for a transient transfection study. Western blot analysis confirmed the phosphorylation of activated EGFR, ERK, and p38 signaling molecules, but not the c-Jun N-terminal kinase, in cells after TCDD exposure. Specificity protein 1 (Sp1) phosphorylation also occurred in cells after TCDD exposure. Both MUC5AC expression and the promoter activity were inhibited by mithramycin A, an inhibitor specific to Sp1-based transcription. These results lead to the conclusion that TCDD induced MUC5AC expression through a noncanonical aryl hydrocarbon receptor-independent, EGFR/ERK/p38-mediated signaling pathway-mediated/Sp1-based transcriptional mechanism.

NF-κB mediates IL-1ß- and IL-17A-induced MUC5B expression in airway epithelial cells.

A major pathological feature of chronic airway diseases is the elevated expression of gel-forming mucins. NF-κB activation in airway epithelial cells has been shown to play a proinflammatory role in chronic airway diseases; however, the specific role of NF-κB in mucin gene expression has not been characterized. In this study, we show that the proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1ß and IL-17A, both of which use the NF-κB pathway, are potent inducers of MUC5B mRNA expression in both well differentiated primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells and the human bronchial epithelial cell line, HBE1. MUC5B induction by these cytokines was both time- and dose-dependent, and was attenuated by the small molecule inhibitor, NF-κB inhibitor III, as well as p65 small interfering RNA, suggesting that the regulation of MUC5B expression by these cytokines is via an NF-κB-based transcriptional mechanism. Deletion analysis of the MUC5B promoter demonstrated that IL-1ß- and IL-17A-induced promoter activity resides within the -4.17-kb to -2.56-kb region relative to the transcriptional start site. This region contains three putative κB-binding sites (NF-κB-1, -3,786/-3,774; NF-κB-2, -3,173/-3,161; and NF-κB-3, -2,921/-2,909). Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed enhanced binding of the p50 NF-κB subunit to the NF-κB-3 site after cytokine stimulation. We conclude that an NF-κB-based transcriptional mechanism is involved in MUC5B regulation by IL-1ß and IL-17A in airway epithelium. This is the first demonstration of the participation of NF-κB and its specific binding site in cytokine-mediated airway MUC5B expression.

Interferonß-1b Induces the Expression of RGS1 a Negative Regulator of G-Protein Signaling.

We present evidence of a link between interferonß-1b (IFN-ß) and G-protein signaling by demonstrating that IFN-ß can induce the expression of the negative regulator of G-protein signaling 1 (RGS1). RGS1 reduces G-protein activation and immune cell migration by interacting with heterotrimeric G-proteins and enhancing their intrinsic GTPase activity. In this study, IFN-ß treatment resulted in the induction of RGS1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), monocytes, T cells, and B cells. Induction of RGS1 by IFN-ß was concentration dependent and observed at both the RNA and protein level. Other members of the RGS family were not induced by IFN-ß, and induction of RGS1 required the activation of the IFN receptor. In addition, RGS1 induction was observed in PBMCs obtained from IFN-ß-treated multiple sclerosis patients suggesting a possible, as yet unexplored, involvement of G-protein regulation in disease treatment. The upregulation of RGS1 by IFN-ß has not been previously reported.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor elicits bone marrow-derived cells that promote efficient colonic mucosal healing.

BACKGROUND: Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) therapy is effective in treating some Crohn's disease (CD) patients and protects mice from colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) administration. However, its mechanisms of action remain elusive. We hypothesized that GM-CSF affects intestinal mucosal repair. METHODS: DSS colitic mice were treated with daily pegylated GM-CSF or saline and clinical, histological, and inflammatory parameters were kinetically evaluated. Further, the role of bone marrow-derived cells in the impact of GM-CSF therapy on DSS colitis was addressed using cell transfers. RESULTS: GM-CSF therapy reduced clinical signs of colitis and the release of inflammatory mediators. GM-CSF therapy improved mucosal repair, with faster ulcer reepithelialization, accelerated hyperproliferative response of epithelial cells in ulcer-adjacent crypts, and lower colonoscopic ulceration scores in GM-CSF-administered mice relative to untreated mice. We observed that GM-CSF-induced promotion of mucosal repair is timely associated with a reduction in neutrophil numbers and increased accumulation of CD11b(+) monocytic cells in colon tissues. Importantly, transfer of splenic GM-CSF-induced CD11b(+) myeloid cells into DSS-exposed mice improved colitis, and lethally irradiated GM-CSF receptor-deficient mice reconstituted with wildtype bone marrow cells were protected from DSS-induced colitis upon GM-CSF therapy. Lastly, GM-CSF-induced CD11b(+) myeloid cells were shown to promote in vitro wound repair. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that GM-CSF-dependent stimulation of bone marrow-derived cells during DSS-induced colitis accelerates colonic tissue repair. These data provide a putative mechanism for the observed beneficial effects of GM-CSF therapy in Crohn's disease.

Regulation of airway MUC5AC expression by IL-1beta and IL-17A; the NF-kappaB paradigm.

Mucin over-production is one of the hallmarks of chronic airway diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. NF-kappaB activation in airway epithelial cells has been shown to play a positive inflammatory role in chronic airway diseases; however, the role of NF-kappaB in mucin gene expression is unresolved. In this study, we have shown that the proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1beta and IL-17A, both of which utilize the NF-kappaB pathway, are potent inducers of mucin (MUC)5AC mRNA and protein synthesis by both well-differentiated primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells and the human bronchial epithelial cell line, HBE1. MUC5AC induction by these cytokines was both time- and dose-dependent and occurred at the level of promoter activation, as measured by a reporter gene assay. These effects were attenuated by the small molecule inhibitor NF-kappaB inhibitor III, as well as p65 small-interfering RNA, suggesting that the regulation of MUC5AC expression by these cytokines is via an NF-kappaB-based transcriptional mechanism. Further investigation of the promoter region identified a putative NF-kappaB binding site at position-3594/-3582 in the promoter of MUC5AC as critical for the regulation of MUC5AC expression by both IL-1beta and IL-17A. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed enhanced binding of the NF-kappaB subunit p50 to this region following cytokine stimulation. We conclude that an NF-kappaB-based transcriptional mechanism is involved in MUC5AC regulation by IL-1beta and IL-17A in the airway epithelium. This is the first demonstration of the participation of NF-kappaB and its specific binding site in cytokine-mediated airway MUC5AC expression.

IFN-beta1b induces transient and variable gene expression in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients independent of neutralizing antibodies or changes in IFN receptor RNA expression.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Interferon-beta (IFN-beta) therapy for MS is hypothesized to cause short-term and long-term changes in gene expression that shift the inflammation from Th1 to Th2. In vivo gene induction to define kinetics of response to IFN-beta therapy in a large cohort of MS patients is described. Differential gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from relapsing-remitting MS patients (RRMS) was assessed using high content microarrays. Rapid onset of gene expression appeared within 4 h of subcutaneous IFN-beta administration, returning to baseline levels at 42 h in clinically stable RRMS. IFN-beta therapy in vivo rapidly but transiently induced strong upregulation of genes mediating immune modulation, IFN signaling, and antiviral responses. RT-PCR showed significant patient-to-patient variation in the magnitude of expression of multiple genes, especially for IFN-beta-inducible genes, such as MxA, IRF7, and CCL8, a Th1 product. Variation among patients in IFN-beta-induced RNA transcription was not explained by neutralizing antibodies or IFN receptor expression. Surprisingly, genes regulated in vivo by IFN-beta therapy do not support a simple Th1 to Th2 shift. A complex interplay between both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune regulatory genes is likely to act in concert in the treatment of RRMS.

IFN-beta-regulated genes show abnormal expression in therapy-naïve relapsing-remitting MS mononuclear cells: gene expression analysis employing all reported protein-protein interactions.

The molecular mechanism by which interferon beta (IFN-beta) is effective in treating multiple sclerosis is not well understood. Mononuclear cells from therapy-naïve MS patients, IFN-beta-1b-treated MS patients, and healthy controls were analyzed to examine mRNA changes that characterize both the disease and its treatment. The scientific literature was comprehensively searched for all protein-protein interactions. In MS patients who had never been treated with IFN-beta, statistical analysis revealed coordinate changes in mRNA expression for proteins reported in the literature as "regulated by IFN-beta." As a positive control for this approach, samples from a separate MS patient cohort showed significant change of these same genes during in vivo treatment with IFN-beta-1b.The strength of effect observed for regulation by IFN-beta was greater than for IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma (Th1), or IL-4 (Th2). Of the sets we investigated, the most strongly affected by disease was the subset defined by regulation by both IFN-beta and IFN-alpha. Changes in cells from therapy-naïve MS patients thus anticipated the importance of IFN-beta in therapy. These findings are a significant step towards marrying MS disease etiology and IFN-beta mechanism of action at a molecular level.

Interferon-beta attenuates angiotensin II-accelerated atherosclerosis and vascular remodeling in apolipoprotein E deficient mice.

Atherosclerotic vascular disease is an inflammatory disease. Interferon-beta (IFN-beta) is an important immune modulator. However, the role of IFN-beta in atherosclerotic vascular disease is still not clear. The present study is designed to determine the effects of IFN-beta on atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation and proliferative vascular remodeling in apolipoprotein E (apoE) deficient mice. Six-month-old male apoE deficient mice fed a normal chow underwent ligation of the common left carotid artery, and were randomly assigned to receive either vehicle or angiotensin II (Ang II, 1.4 mg/kg daily) via a subcutaneously implanted osmotic infusion pump. The animals were further assigned to groups that were subjected to subcutaneous injection of vehicle or murine IFN-beta (10 MIU/kg, daily). Ang II increased atherosclerotic area in the non-ligated carotid artery and aortic arch, induced AAA, and exacerbated ligation-induced adventitial proliferation and neointimal hyperplasia characterized by smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and macrophage infiltration in the ligated carotid artery. Co-treatment with IFN-beta, had no effects by itself, significantly attenuated Ang II-accelerated increase in the areas of neointima, adventitia, SMC and macrophage in the ligated carotid artery and suppressed Ang II-exacerbated atherosclerosis, but did not affect Ang II-induced AAA formation. These data indicate that IFN-beta can play a prominent anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammation, and anti-proliferation role of vasculoprotection.

Regulation of airway innate and adaptive immune responses: the IL-17 paradigm.

IL-17 is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by immune cells. Its significance in host defense and disease development has been demonstrated in various infection and autoimmune models. Recently, additional studies have shown that IL-17 is also important in modulating airway immune response in several aspects. Along with the well-established Th1/Th2 model, new discoveries regarding the Th17 lineage and IL-17 functions have added an extra twist to the already complicated cytokine network that regulates airway immunity. The IL-17 receptor is expressed on blood cells, as well as on structural cells such as the epithelial cells in the airway. Therefore, the effect of IL-17 on airway immunity is very broad, covering both the innate and the adaptive aspects. In this review, we summarize the findings of recent studies on IL-17 signaling and function in pulmonary immune response, and the implications of IL-17 in disease pathogenesis.

Antiviral and myocyte protective effects of murine interferon-beta and -{alpha}2 in coxsackievirus B3-induced myocarditis and epicarditis in Balb/c mice.

The present study tested the hypothesis that murine (m)IFN-beta or mIFN-alpha(2) can eliminate cardiac viral load and protect cardiomyocytes from injury in animals infected with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3). CVB3-inoculated male Balb/c mice exhibited signs of illness, including lethargy, progressive weight loss, and death (10% on day 3 and 100% on day 8). Cardiac viral load was high [4,277 +/- 1,009 plaque-forming units and 25 +/- 5 copies CVB3/hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase 1 mRNA] on day 4. The cardiac tissue exhibited severe inflammatory infiltration and myocyte damage with an average myocarditis integrated pathology score of 2.1 +/- 0.2 on day 7. Most of the mice infected with CVB3 also developed epicarditis, and 55% had intraventricular thrombi present. Treatment with mIFN-beta [2.5 to 10 million international units (MIU)/kg] dose-dependently improved the general health status in CVB3-inoculated mice, as evidenced by reduction in weight loss, prevention of death, elimination of cardiac viral load, protection of myocytes from injury, decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration, and attenuation of intraventricular thrombus formation. Treatment with 10 MIU/kg mIFN-alpha(2) resulted in a similar level of efficacy as that induced by 5 MIU/kg mIFN-beta, with the exception that mIFN-alpha(2) did not reduce cardiac CVB3 mRNA. However, mIFN-alpha(2) , but not any dose group of mIFN-beta, significantly attenuated CVB3-induced epicarditis. These data demonstrate antiviral effects for both mIFN-beta and mIFN-alpha(2), which lead to protection of the mice from CVB3-induced myocarditis. However, the potential mechanisms leading to a differential host response for the two isoforms of mIFN remain to be elucidated.

Interferon receptor expression regulates the antiproliferative effects of interferons on cancer cells and solid tumors.

In addition to antiviral effects, Type I interferons (IFN) have potent antiproliferative and immunomodulatory activities. Because of these properties IFNs have been evaluated as therapeutics for the treatment of a number of human diseases, including cancer. Currently, IFNs have been shown to be efficacious for the treatment of only a select number of cancers. The reason for this is unclear. Recent evidence has demonstrated that some cancer cell types seem to be defective in their ability to respond to IFN. It has been suggested that defects in IFN signaling is one mechanism by which cancer cells escape responsiveness to Type I IFNs and growth control in general. We report that transfection and enhanced expression of the Type I IFN receptor chain (IFNAR2c) in 3 different human cancer cell lines markedly increases the sensitivity of these cells to the antiproliferative effects of IFNs. In cancer cells transfected with IFNAR2c, dose response curves demonstrate a significant decrease in the concentrations of IFN required to achieve maximum cell death. Furthermore, in these transfected cells, we observe a significant increase in the number of cells undergoing apoptosis, as measured by DNA fragmentation and Caspase 3 activation. In addition, using an in vivo xenograft tumor model we show an increase in the effectiveness of systemically delivered Betaseron in decreasing tumor burden in animals in which solid tumors were generated from IFNAR2c transfected cells. These data show that specific regulation of IFN receptor expression can play a major role in determining the clinical outcome of IFN-based cancer therapeutics by regulating the relative sensitivity of cancer cells to IFN-dependent growth control.

STAT3 activation by type I interferons is dependent on specific tyrosines located in the cytoplasmic domain of interferon receptor chain 2c. Activation of multiple STATS proceeds through the redundant usage of two tyrosine residues.

Human type I interferons (IFNs) play an important role in the regulation of antiviral defense mechanisms, immunomodulatory activities, and growth control. Recent efforts have demonstrated the importance of IFNs in the activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). The role of STAT1 and STAT2 in IFN-dependent JAK-STAT signaling is well established; however, the role of STAT3 and its activation by IFNs remains unclear. Understanding the IFN-dependent regulation of STAT3 is of increasing interest because recent studies have demonstrated that STAT3 may play a role in cancer. Studies have revealed that STAT3 is constitutively active in a number of cancer cell lines and that overexpression of an active form of STAT3 transforms normal fibroblasts. Therefore, STAT3 exhibits properties indicative of known oncogenes. In this report, we define the role of the type I IFN receptor in STAT3 activation and identify for the first time tyrosine residues present in the cytoplasmic domain of IFNAR2c that are critical for STAT3 activation. The regulation of STAT3 activation by IFNs was measured in a human lung fibrosarcoma cell line lacking IFNAR2c but stably expressing various IFNAR2c tyrosine mutants. We show here that in addition to IFN-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3, activation using a STAT3-dependent electrophoretic mobility shift assay and a STAT3-specific reporter can also be demonstrated. Furthermore, we demonstrate that type I IFN-dependent activation of STAT3 proceeds through a novel mechanism that is dependent on two tyrosines, Tyr(337) and Tyr(512), present in IFNAR2c and contained within a conserved six-amino acid residue motif, GxGYxM. Surprisingly, both tyrosines were previously shown to be required for type I IFN-dependent STAT1 and STAT2 activation. Our results reveal that type I IFNs activate multiple STATs via the overlapping usage of two tyrosine residues located in the cytoplasmic domain of IFNAR2c.