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Isolation and characterization of a human STAT1 gene regulatory element. Inducibility by interferon (IFN) types I and II and role of IFN regulatory factor-1.

The transcription factor STAT1 plays a pivotal role in signal transduction of type I and II interferons (IFNs). STAT1 activation leads to changes in expression of key regulatory genes encoding caspases and cell cycle inhibitors. Deficient STAT1 expression in human cancer cells and virally mediated inhibition of STAT1 function have been associated with cellular resistance to IFNs and mycobacterial infection in humans. Thus, given the relative importance of STAT1, we isolated and characterized a human STAT1 intronic enhancer region displaying IFN-regulated activity. Functional analyses by transient expression identified a repressor region and type I and II IFN-inducible elements within the STAT1 enhancer sequence. A candidate IRF-E/GAS/IRF-E (IGI) sequence containing GAAANN nucleotide repeats was shown by gel shift assay to bind to IFN regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1), but not to IFN-stimulated gene factor-3 (ISGF-3) or STAT1-3. An additional larger IGI-binding complex containing IRF-1 was identified. Mutation of the GAAANN repeats within the IGI DNA element eliminated IRF-1 binding and the IFN-regulated activity of the STAT1 intronic enhancer region. Transfection of the IFN-resistant MM96 cell line to express increased levels of IRF-1 protein also elevated STAT1, STAT2, and p48/IRF-9 expression and enhanced cellular responsiveness to IFN-beta. Reciprocating regulation between IRF-1 and STAT1 genes and encoded proteins indicates that an intracellular amplifier circuit exists controlling cellular responsiveness to the IFNs.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Role of STAT3 in type I interferon responses. Negative regulation of STAT1-dependent inflammatory gene activation.

Type I interferons (IFNalpha/beta) induce antiviral responses and have immunomodulatory effects that can either promote or suppress immunity and inflammation. In myeloid cells IFNalpha/beta activates signal transducers and activators of transcription STAT1, STAT2, and STAT3. STAT1 and STAT2 mediate the antiviral and inflammatory effects of IFNalpha/beta, but the function of IFNalpha/beta-activated STAT3 is not known. We investigated the role of STAT3 in type I IFN signaling in myeloid cells by modulating STAT3 expression and the intensity of STAT3 activation using overexpression and RNA interference and determining the effects on downstream signaling and gene expression. IFNalpha-activated STAT3 inhibited STAT1-dependent gene activation, thereby down-regulating IFNalpha-mediated induction of inflammatory mediators such as the chemokines CXCL9 (Mig) and CXCL10 (IP-10). At the same time, IFNalpha-activated STAT3 supported ISGF-3-dependent induction of antiviral genes. STAT3 did not suppress STAT1 tyrosine phosphorylation or nuclear translocation but instead sequestered STAT1 and suppressed the formation of DNA-binding STAT1 homodimers. These results identify a regulatory function for STAT3 in attenuating the inflammatory properties of type I IFNs and provide a mechanism of suppression of STAT1 function that differs from previously described suppression of tyrosine phosphorylation. The results suggest that changes in the relative expression and activation of STAT1 and STAT3 that occur during immune responses determine the nature of cellular responses to type I IFNs.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

Impact of macrophage and dendritic cell subset elimination on antiviral immunity, viral clearance and production of type 1 interferon.

We report herein that vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) induced a concurrent primary Th1 (T helper 1) and Th2 cytokine response detectable ex vivo. Liposome-encapsulated clodronate-mediated elimination of CD8- marginal dendritic cells (DCs) and splenic macrophages (m Phi), but not CD8+ interdigitating DCs, prior to infection resulted in a markedly diminished chemokine and Th1 (IL-2, interferon-gamma) cytokine response, although the Th2 response (IL-4) remained relatively intact. Repopulation with marginal DCs and marginal metallophilic macrophages (MMM) restored Th1 cytokine profiles but did not restore chemokine responsiveness or reduce VSV-induced morbidity/mortality. Chemokine competency returned approximately 4 weeks post-depletion, which correlated temporally with repopulation of the spleen with marginal zone macrophages (MZM) and red pulp macrophages (RPM). Unexpectedly, virus-induced morbidity persisted for over 1 month post-depletion and was associated with virus dissemination and distinctive histological lesions in the liver. Depletion of interferon-producing plasmacytoid dendritic cells did not account for virus-induced morbidity because serum levels of type I interferon were not diminished in Cl2MBP-liposome-treated mice. Thus, distinct m Phi subsets are critical for chemokine production and viral clearance, and, in their absence, VSV disseminates even in the presence of high titers of interferon.

Animals↗

The V protein of human parainfluenza virus 2 antagonizes type I interferon responses by destabilizing signal transducer and activator of transcription 2.

Type I interferon (IFN) induces antiviral responses through the activation of the ISGF3 transcription factor complex that contains the subunit proteins STAT1, STAT2, and p48/ISGF3 gamma/IRF9. The ability of some human paramyxoviruses to overcome IFN actions by specific proteolysis of STAT proteins has been examined. Infection of cells with type 2, but not type 1 or type 3 human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) leads to a loss of cellular STAT2 protein. Expression of a single HPIV2 protein derived from the V open reading frame blocks IFN-dependent transcriptional responses in the absence of other viral proteins. The loss of IFN response is due to V-protein-induced proteolytic degradation of STAT2. Expression of HPIV2 V causes the normally stable STAT2 protein to be rapidly degraded, and this proteolytic activity can be partially alleviated by proteasome inhibition. No V-protein-specific effects on STAT2 mRNA levels were observed. The results indicate that the V protein of HPIV2 is sufficient to recognize and target a specific cellular transcription factor for destruction by cellular machinery.

Cell Line↗

Role of p38alpha Map kinase in Type I interferon signaling.

Multiple signaling pathways are activated during engagement of the Type I interferon (IFN) receptor to mediate biological responses, including the Jak-Stat and Rac1/p38 Map kinase signaling cascades. In the present study we sought to determine the functional relevance of the p38alpha isoform in IFN signaling, using cells from mouse embryos with targeted disruption of the p38alpha gene. Our data demonstrate that p38alpha activation is essential for Type I IFN-dependent transcriptional regulation via ISRE or GAS elements. On the other hand, the function of p38alpha is not required for IFN-dependent Ser727 or Tyr701 phosphorylation of Stat1 and does not impact on the formation of ISGF3 or SIF nuclear binding complexes. In efforts to identify downstream effectors of p38 that may mediate IFN-dependent transcriptional responses, we found that IFNalpha activates the kinase Msk1, a known regulator of histone phosphorylation and chromatin remodeling. In other studies, we demonstrate that Type I IFN-dependent activation of the kinases MapKapK-2 and MapKapK-3 is defective in the absence of p38alpha, while Type I IFN-dependent antiviral properties are decreased in cells with targeted disruption of the MapKapK-2 gene. Altogether, our data establish that the p38alpha Map kinase pathway regulates activation of downstream effectors that participate in the induction of IFN-dependent gene transcription, to mediate IFN-responses.

Animals↗

Production of antibodies against mouse immune T (type II) interferon and their neutralizing properties.

An antiserum to immune T-type mouse interferon was prepared in rabbits by repeated injections of interferon, induced by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) in mouse spleen cells and purified to 1 X 10(5) units/mg protein. The antiserum neutralized mouse interferons synthesized in vitro in response to several T mitogens and Brucella organisms, and also the type II interferon present in the serum of BCG-sensitized mice after an injection of the specific antigen, tuberculin. All these interferons are thus antigenically related; they are also all unstable at pH 2. In contrast, the antiserum did not neutralize interferons induced by West Nile virus (WNV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in vitro, or by lipopolysaccharide and Brucella organisms in vivo; all these interferons are stable at pH 2. It also failed to neutralize a non-glycosylated virus interferon prepared in the presence of tunicamycin.

Animals↗

Intact TRL 9 and type I interferon signaling pathways are required to augment HSV-1 induced corneal CXCL9 and CXCL10.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 ocular infection elicits a potent inflammatory response including the production of the chemokines, CXCL9 and CXCL10, in mice. Since HSV-1 nucleic acid is recognized by pattern receptors including Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9, we tested the hypothesis that TLR9 is necessary for the early augmentation of CXCL10 following HSV-1 infection. Similar to wild type controls, TLR9 deficient mice constitutively expressed CXCL10 in the cornea. Following infection or stimulation with the deoxycytidylate-phosphate-deoxyguanylate (CpG) motif, CXCL10 levels were significantly elevated in the cornea of wild type but not TLR9 or type I interferon receptor deficient mice. The reduced CXCL10 response in the cornea of TLR deficient mice was correlative with an increase in virus shedding and a reduction in neutrophil infiltration. This is the first report that shows enhanced CXCL10 expression following neurotropic viral replication requires both intact TLR 9 and type I interferon signaling pathways.

Animals↗

Effect of type I interferon on experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis in rats.

In order to establish a scientific basis for the potential use of type I interferons (IFNs) in clinical uveitis, we examined the effect of a preparation of IFN-alpha/beta on experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). Lewis rats were immunized with bovine interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) and given daily intramuscular injections of 10(5) IU mouse natural IFN-alpha/beta. Intraocular inflammation was assessed by slit-lamp biomicroscopy and histopathological examination. Rats treated daily with IFN-alpha/beta starting on the day of IRBP immunization showed decreased intraocular inflammation as well as a slight delay in onset of inflammation when compared to control rats. This effect was also observed to a lesser extent in rats treated during either the induction phase of EAU only, or starting immediately after the onset of inflammation in the effector phase of EAU. Measurement of IRBP-stimulated splenocyte proliferation and serum anti-IRBP antibody subtypes did not reveal a significant difference between IFN-alpha/beta-treated rats and control rats. Measurement of cytokine production by IRBP-stimulated splenocytes in vitro showed significantly decreased TNF-alpha for IFN-alpha/beta-treated rats compared to control, but no difference for IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10. These results indicate that systemic administration of IFN-alpha/beta suppresses IRBP-induced EAU in rats, and suggest that such suppression may be mediated in part by a reduction in TNF-alpha production.

Animals↗

Isolation of an inhibitor of type II interferon induction from tumor ascitic fluids.

A low-molecular-weight fraction (M.W. approximately 700) that specifically impairs the induction of type II interferon in mice by purified protein derivative of tuberculin or OK-432 was isolated from the cell-free ascitic fluid of mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. Purification was achieved by ultrafiltration and gel filtration. The inhibitory activity of the isolated fraction was 10 times greater than that of the unfractionated starting material in the impairment of type II interferon induction. The significant inhibition was observed even when 0.2 ml of the 10,000-fold dilution of the fraction, which was previously adjusted to 0.25 A unit at 290 nm absorption, was once treated i.p. in normal mice 48 hr before challenge of type II interferon inducers. This fraction was stable to heating at 56 degrees for 60 min. The active component, however, did not affect the in vivo induction of type I interferon by polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid or tilorone-HCl. In parallel experiments, an identical low-molecular-weight fraction that impairs the type II interferon induction in mice was isolated from the ascitic fluids of rats bearing AH-100B ascites tumor and from a human hepatoma case with advanced cancer metastatic to the peritoneal cavity. However, nontumorous ascitic fluids obtained from adjuvant-stimulated mice and a human liver cirrhosis case did not contain any such inhibitory activity.

Animals↗

Chicken-embryo fibroblasts produce two types of interferon upon stimulation with Newcastle disease virus.

Controversy has long surrounded the question of whether chickens, like mammals, can produce two types of interferon (IFN). Recently, type-I and type-II chicken IFNs have been cloned. Our study focuses on the further characterization of native fibroblast and spleen IFNs and shows that chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) produce a mixture of type-I and type-II IFNs. IFN was purified by three different methods, controlled pore-glass chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography and preparative SDS-PAGE. Three protein bands showing IFN-like anti-viral activity, from CEFs which had been virus-stimulated for IFN production, were detected at 25, 27 and 29 kDa. Polyclonal antibodies produced against these bands showed partial cross-reaction with purified media from mitogen-stimulated spleen cells in ELISA, western blot analysis and anti-viral activity neutralization assay. Differences between purified conditioned media from CEF and spleen were found with respect to the stimulation of macrophages for nitric oxide production, pH stability and signal transduction pathways; only CEF IFN activated the IFN-stimulated gene factor-3 complex, whereas both CEF and spleen IFNs activated the IFN regulatory factor-1 gene. These findings concur with the differences that are known to exist between mammalian type-I and type-II IFNs. Attempts at sequencing the 25 and 27 kDa proteins by Edman degradation yielded evidence of N-terminal blockage.

Animals↗

Type II interferon induction and passive transfer depress the murine cytochrome P-450 drug metabolism system.

Induction of type II interferon by sensitization of mice with Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain BCG and challenge with tuberculin resulted in a depression of the cytochrome P-450 drug metabolism system of the liver. The degree of depression was significantly greater than in mice that were only sensitized to BCG. Cytochrome b5 levels were not affected. In addition, the level of the depression of the cytochrome P-450 system correlated with the levels of type II interferon induced. Passive transfer of exogenous type II interferon preparations also significantly depressed the cytochrome P-450 system. Passive transfer of mock interferon or of normal serum had no effect.

Aminopyrine↗

Possible role of interferon-tau on in vitro development of bovine embryos.

The effect of interferon-tau on in vitro development of bovine embryos was investigated. After in vitro fertilization, embryos developed to the morula stage were cultured for 3 days in TCM-199 or CR1 medium containing BSA or FCS supplemented with or without recombinant IFN-tau produced by a baculovirus expression system. Addition of baculovirus-expressed IFN-tau (100 ng/ml) significantly promoted development to the blastocyst stage in both culture media. Addition of E. coli expressed IFN-tau (2 microg/ml) also significantly promoted the embryonic development. Supplementation of BSA or FCS did not affect the growth-promoting effect of IFN-tau. To determine whether the growth-promoting effect of IFN-tau is related to the interferon type I receptors that bind to type I interferon such as IFN-alpha, embryos were cultured with IFN-alpha. Although IFN-alpha significantly promoted the development, a much higher concentration (25 microg/ml) was required than IFN-tau. A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed the expression of mRNA encoded type-I IFN receptor subunit from morula to blastocyst stage embryos. The overall results suggest a novel function for IFNs in promoting embryonic development and the effect may be related to type-I IFN receptor expressed in the early stages of preimplantation embryos.

Animals↗

The Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2), a protein required for B lymphocyte immortalization, induces the synthesis of type I interferon in Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines.

Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2), a protein involved in cell transformation, interferes with the cellular response to type I interferons (IFN-alpha/beta). We investigated the function of conditionally expressed EBNA2 in the context of the IFN response in Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines. Expression of EBNA2 led to the transcriptional activation of both endogenous or transfected IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), genes which contain within their promoters either the interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) or the gamma interferon activation site (GAS). In search of a molecular mechanism for the transcriptional induction of ISGs, we observed an EBNA2-dependent synthesis of IFN-beta mRNA at low levels and the secretion of low amounts of IFN. A transfected IFN-beta promoter responded to EBNA2 activation, and a sequence closely resembling a RBP-Jkappa binding site was pinpointed as a potential target of EBNA2 activity. EBNA2-dependent transcriptional induction of the IFN-beta promoter occurred in EBV-negative Burkitt's lymphoma cells, indicating that other EBV genes were not required for the induction of IFN-beta synthesis.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Inhibition of murine osteogenic sarcomas by treatment with type I or type II interferon.

Interferon was used to treat C57BL/6 female mice inoculated with a continuous line of murine osteogenic sarcoma cells. A short 7-day course of 30,000--60,000 U/day of tpe I interferon either completely inhibited or delayed the appearance of tumors in experimental animals. The therapeutic efficacy of type I interferon was compared with murine serum that contained type II interferon as well as other lymphokine activity. Tumor development was strikingly inhibited in animals treated for 7 days with serum containing only 600 U of type II interferon. Inhibition of tumor development was thus achieved with 100-fold less interferon than that required with type I preparation.

Animals↗

Type-I interferons and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypical autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies directed against nuclear antigens and chronic inflammation affecting multiple tissues. Complex genetic disorders are at the origin of the disease in humans and in SLE-prone mice, leading to the escape of auto-reactive B-lymphocytes from central and peripheral control checkpoints that operate normally in healthy organisms. Although necessary, autoimmune B-cells are not sufficient and additional mechanisms such as T-cell help are clearly needed for the disease to occur. The role of type-I interferons (type-I IFNs), and in particular IFNalpha, as prominent cofactors for SLE was suggested years ago. Leading observations in patients and recent data in SLE-prone mice have now established IFNalpha as a major actor in SLE. Several systemic clinical symptoms and laboratory findings can indeed be interpreted as downstream effects of a high IFNalpha production, and point to this cytokine as a link between the expansion of autoimmune B-cells and the stimulation of other components of the immune system. Consequently, a vicious circle is established with overt immune-cell activation and inflammatory infiltrates culminating in the selective destruction of tissue targets, notably the kidney. These notions can now be transplanted to the clinic and designate IFNalpha as a new promising therapeutic target.

Animals↗

Differential responsiveness of a splice variant of the human type I interferon receptor to interferons.

Chinese hamster ovary cells containing the yeast artificial chromosome F136C5 (alphaYAC) respond to all type I human interferons including IFN-alphaA, IFN-beta, and IFN-omega. The alphaYAC contains at least two genes encoding interferon-alpha receptor (IFN-alphaR) chains that are required for response to type I human interferons: Hu-IFN-alphaR1 and Hu-IFN-alphaR2. We previously isolated a splice variant of the Hu-IFN-alphaR1 chain designated Hu-IFN-alphaR1s. Chinese hamster ovary cells containing a disrupted alphaYAC, which contains a deletion in the human IFNAR1 gene, were transfected with expression vectors for the Hu-IFN-alphaR1 and Hu-IFN-alphaR1s chains. With these cells, two type I interferons have been identified which can interact with the splice variant (Hu-IFN-alphaR1s) and with the Hu-IFN-alphaR1 chains: Hu-IFN-alphaA and IFN-omega. Two other type I interferons, Hu-IFN-alphaB2 and Hu-IFN-alphaF, are capable of signaling through the Hu-IFN-alphaR1 chain only and cannot utilize the splice variant Hu-IFN-alphaR1s. Hu-IFN-alphaR1 and Hu-IFN-alphaR1s differ in that the latter is missing a single subdomain of the receptor extracellular domain encoded by exons 4 and 5 of the IFNAR1 gene. These results therefore indicate that different type I interferons require different subdomains of the Hu-IFN-alphaR1 receptor chain, and that the splice variant chain (Hu-IFN-alphaR1s) is functional.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Interferon synthesis in x-irradiated animals. IV. Donor-type serum interferons in rat-to-mouse radiation chimeras injected with Newcastle disease virus.

C(3)H/He mice were exposed to total-body X-irradiation of 1000 roentgens and received thereafter 10(7) xenogeneic Wistar rat marrow cells intravenously. In these rat-to-mouse chimeras, serum interferon-producing capacity upon injection of Newcastle disease virus was examined four weeks after grafting. Normal levels of circulating interferon were produced. The interferon, however, had the species specificity of rat interferon, being 20 times more active in rat embryo fibroblasts than in mouse embryo fibroblasts. Moreover, it behaved like rat interferon when filtered on Sephadex G-100 dextran gel, displaying one peak of activity in the 90,000 molecular-weight range and two incompletely separated peaks of 32,000 and 24,000, respectively, in the 30,000 molecular-weight region. The fact that the interferon is of the donor type in rat-to-mouse chimeras permits us to conclude that circulating interferon induced by New-castle disease virus is made in bone-marrow-derived cells.

Animals↗

Human type I interferon receptor, IFNAR, is a heavily glycosylated 120-130 kD membrane protein.

Type I interferons (IFNs) bind and signal through cell surface receptors that share at least one common component. One candidate for such a component is the interferon-alpha receptor (IFNAR). Genetic studies have shown that the IFNAR gene product is required for response to many type I interferons. However, these studies also suggest that the IFNAR protein interacts with an additional receptor component(s) to form functionally complete type I IFN receptors. Although these genetic studies have contributed significantly to understanding the type I IFN receptors. Although these genetic studies have contributed significantly to understanding the type I IFN receptors, little biochemical characterization of IFNAR and its function has been reported. To facilitate biochemical studies of the IFNAR gene product, a monoclonal antibody, GB8, recognizing the extracellular domain of IFNAR was prepared. The epitope for GB8 maps to the second extracellular domain of IFNAR between amino acids 278 and 293. GB8 identifies IFNAR in western blots of cell membranes as a broad band with molecular mass ranging from 100 to 150 kD in membranes from CHO cells overexpressing the human IFNAR gene to 136-150 kD in Daudi cell membranes. Such variations in the mean value and the range of molecular mass between IFNAR in different cell lines suggest differences in glycosylation. The majority of glycosylation is N-linked, although there may also be a small amount O-linked oligosaccharide. Deglycosylation of IFNAR in Daudi cell membranes results in a 70 kD IFNAR species, indicating that nearly half of the apparent molecular mass of Daudi cell IFNAR is contributed by carbohydrate moieties.

Amino Acid Sequence↗