The untold story of IFN-gamma in cancer biology


KURŞUNEL M. A., ESENDAĞLI G.

CYTOKINE & GROWTH FACTOR REVIEWS, vol.31, pp.73-81, 2016 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 31
  • Publication Date: 2016
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2016.07.005
  • Journal Name: CYTOKINE & GROWTH FACTOR REVIEWS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.73-81
  • Keywords: Interferon, Cancer, T cell, Myeloid cell, Immune regulation, Anti-tumor immunity, Immunotherapy, T-CELL THERAPY, NATURAL-KILLER-CELL, MHC CLASS-II, TUMOR-INFILTRATING LYMPHOCYTES, MACROPHAGE ACTIVATION SYNDROME, INDEPENDENT PROGNOSTIC-FACTOR, RECOMBINANT INTERFERON-GAMMA, METASTATIC MELANOMA PATIENTS, ANTITUMOR IMMUNE-RESPONSES, CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Interferon (IFN)-gamma is the uppermost cytokine implicated in anti-tumor immunity. With its cytostatic, proapoptotic and immune-provoking effects, IFN-gamma plays a central role in the recognition and elimination of transformed cells. Considering well-characterized anti-tumor effects of this cytokine, many clinical trials and immunotherapy approaches have been designed to reinforce IFN-gamma-mediated immunity for different types of cancer. However, the outcomes were not satisfactory and leaded to questioning of alternative actions of IFN-gamma. Many regulatory pathways can be induced by IFN-gamma to protect the normal tissues from collateral damage and to facilitate the re-establishment of homeostasis. Nevertheless, malignant cells can take the advantage of IFN-gamma as an inducer of mediators inhibiting anti-tumor immune reactions. In addition, under the influence of tumor-derived factors, certain types of immune cells are also licensed by IFN-gamma to perform regulatory actions. This review focuses on the immune modulatory functions of IFN-gamma in cancer as an alternative story to be told. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.