Two essential regulatory elements in the human interferon gamma promoter confer activation specific expression in T cells

Like interleukin 2 (IL-2), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) is an early response gene in T cells and both are prototypical T helper cell type 1 (Th-1) lymphokines. Yet IL-2 and IFN-gamma production are independently regulated, as demonstrated by their differential expression in certain T cell subsets, suggesting that the regulatory elements in these two genes must differ. To explore this possibility, the 5' flank of the human IFN-gamma gene was analyzed. Expression of IFN-gamma promoter- driven beta-galactosidase reporter constructs containing 538 bp of 5' flank was similar to that by constructs driven by the IL-2 promoter in activated Jurkat T cells; expression nearly as great was observed with the construct containing only 108 bp of IFN-gamma 5' flank. These IFN- gamma promoter constructs faithfully mirrored expression of the endogenous gene, in that expression required activation both with ionomycin and PMA, was inhibited by cyclosporin A, and was not observed in U937 or THP-1 cells. The region between -108 and -40 bp in the IFN- gamma promoter was required for promoter function and contained two elements that are conserved across species. Deletion of 10 bp within either element reduced promoter function by 70%, whereas deletions in nonconserved portions of this region had little effect on promoter function. The distal conserved element (-96 to -80 bp) contained a consensus GATA motif and a potential regulatory motif found in the promoter regions of the GM-CSF and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP) genes. Factors binding to this element, including GATA-3, were found in Jurkat nuclear extracts by electromobility shift assays and two of the three complexes observed were altered in response to activation. One or both of these motifs are present in the 5' flank of multiple, other lymphokine genes, including IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, and GM- CSF, but neither is present in the promoter of the IL-2 gene. The proximal conserved element (-73 to -48 bp) shares homology with the NFIL-2A element in the IL-2 promoter; these elements compete for binding of factors in Jurkat nuclear extracts, although the NFIL-2A element but not the IFN-gamma element binds Oct-1. Factors binding to this element in the IFN-gamma gene were present in extracts from resting and activated Jurkat T cells. However, by in vivo footprinting of intact cells, this element was protected from methylation only with activation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Widespread and selective induction of major histocompatibility complex-determined antigens in vivo by gamma interferon

gamma Interferon (IFN-gamma) caused remarkable increases in class I (H-2Kk) and class II (I-Ak) antigens throughout the body by 6-9 d. Heart, kidney, and adrenals showed increases of 4-8 times their previous levels of class I antigen content, while the pancreas and small intestine increased 13-17-fold. Lesser increases were found in spleen, liver, and lung, which showed higher resting antigenic potency. Increases of class II antigenicity of 6-10-fold were found in heart, kidney, pancreas, lung, liver, adrenal, and small intestine, with lesser increases in thymus and spleen, and none in lymph node. Topographical analysis revealed that IFN-gamma induced class I and II antigens on most tissues in a highly selective fashion. For example, the renal proximal tubules expressed large amounts of both class I and II antigens, whereas the distal tubules and collecting ducts did not. In some epithelial cells class I and II determinants were induced only on the basal aspects of the cell membrane. IFN-gamma caused a remarkable increase in class II-positive dendritic cells in the liver, pancreas, salivary glands, and thyroid. Whether these cells were of local or systemic origin is uncertain, but the finding of a simultaneous depletion of dendritic cells from lymph nodes and spleen raises the possibility that they may have been derived, at least in part, from these sites. The dynamic and selective induction of class I and II antigen expression by IFN-gamma is likely to be important in regulation of the immune response in tissues.     

人Toll样受体4基因5'正调控区的鉴定

目的初步确定T0u样受体4（Toll like receptor4，TLR4）基因5’远端髓系细胞特异性的转录调控区域。方法采用分子克隆结合报告基因分析的方法，构建TLR4基因5’旁侧-2413．＋66序列与荧光素酶报告基因载体pGL-3的重组质粒及其缺失质粒，通过DEAE—Dextran介导的转染技术导入人K562细胞，检测各报告基因质粒荧光素酶活性。结果TLR4基因5’旁侧转录起始位点上游-1337～-683bp区域在K562细胞中，能够增强报告基因转录活性。结论TLR4基因5’旁侧存在远端细胞特异性的调控区域，定位并鉴定参与调控的转录因子，可望阐明TLR4基因表达调控及其组织和细胞特异性表达的机制。     

A model of human cytokine regulation based on transfection of gamma interferon gene fragments directly into isolated peripheral blood T lymphocytes

An approach has been optimized permitting measurement of human cytokine reporter gene expression after transient transfection directly into purified human peripheral blood T lymphocytes. Comparing the expression of interleukin 2 (IL-2) CAT with a series of specially engineered gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) constructs, a fundamental difference in the molecular mechanisms regulating these two cytokines has been suggested. A potent, tissue-specific, constitutive-acting positive regulatory element was located between sequences -215 and -53 in the human IFN-gamma gene. Deletion analyses suggested that sequences slightly upstream, between positions -251 to -215, exerted a powerful dominant suppressive influence over that positive element. Negative elements appear to play a major role in controlling the regulation of human IFN-gamma gene expression. We thus propose a model of cytokine gene regulation in which selective derepression may be an important fundamental mechanism of induction and/or positive modulation.     

Th1 cytokine interferon gamma improves response in HER2 breast cancer by modulating the ubiquitin proteasomal pathway

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Interferon gamma mRNA quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis: a novel interferon gamma release assay

The interferon gamma (IFN-γ) release assay (IGRA) is widely used as a diagnostic method for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The QuantiFERON-TB Gold and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube (QFT-IT) tests measure plasma IFN-γ levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and T-SPOT.TB counts IFN-γ–producing cells using enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay. IFN-γ mRNA was evaluated as an indicator of IGRA in comparison with QFT-IT IFN-γ ELISA in 46 subjects with active TB and in 73 at low risk for TB. Significant IFN-γ mRNA expression was detected from 30 min and peaked 4 h after stimulation with MTB antigens or mitogen. This was defined as the optimal time point for IFN-γ mRNA real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sensitivities of IFN-γ mRNA real-time PCR and IFN-γ ELISA were 84.8% (39/46) and 89.1% (41/46), respectively (no significant difference). Although the specificities of IFN-γ ELISA was 4.1% higher than that of IFN-γ mRNA real-time PCR (60.3% versus 56.2%), the difference was not statistically significant. The overall agreement between IFN-γ mRNA real-time PCR and IFN-γ ELISA was 79.8% (kappa = 0.475). Whilst there was no difference in the performance of IFN-γ mRNA real-time PCR and IFN-γ ELISA, IFN-γ mRNA real-time PCR was superior to IFN-γ ELISA in terms of the time required for detection of MTB infection.     

GT repeat polymorphism in the 5' flanking region of the human growth hormone receptor gene

A polymorphic GT dinucleotide repeat sequence has been identified in the 5' flanking region of the human growth hormone receptor (hGHR) gene on chromosome 5p13.1-p12, within the promoter region of the V9 5'UTR exon. Thirteen alleles have been identified in 50 non-related individuals, with an observed heterozygosity of 52%. The major allele contains 24 repeats, although a range of 19-32 repeats has been observed. Codominant segregation was demonstrated in five two-generation and two three-generation families. This marker may be useful in analysing the role of the hGHR gene in pre- and postnatal growth disorders.     

Purification of human gamma interferon receptors by sequential affinity chromatography on immobilized monoclonal antireceptor antibodies and human gamma interferon

mAbs against human IFN-gamma (huIFN-gamma) receptors were obtained by immunizing a BALB/c mouse with eluates from immobilized recombinant huIFN-gamma (rhuIFN-gamma) on which lysates of enriched Raji cell membranes had been adsorbed. mAbs were selected for competitive inhibition of receptor binding of 125I-labeled rhuIFN-gamma. The following additional properties suggest that these antibodies are specific for huIFN-gamma receptors: they bind to the surface of human cells expressing IFN-gamma receptors but not to heterologous cells; this binding is inhibited competitively by addition of rhuIFN-gamma; the number of binding sites revealed by direct binding of 125I-labeled rhuIFN-gamma correlates with the amount of antigen recognized by the mAbs on different cell lines. A Triton X-100 extract of a membrane-enriched fraction of human Raji cells was affinity purified with these mAbs and the eluates from such columns were further purified on immobilized rhuIFN-gamma. As revealed by SDS-PAGE, the final eluate contained two major protein bands with approximate Mr of 90,000 (p90) and 50,000 (p50), respectively. Both proteins were able to specifically bind 125I-labeled rhuIFN-gamma upon electroblotting to nitrocellulose. This binding could be inhibited by the huIFN-gamma receptor mAbs, suggesting that the same epitopes are recognized on p90, p50, and on the cell surface. Therefore, these proteins most likely represent at least a part of huIFN-gamma receptors.     

Response to influenza infection in mice with a targeted disruption in the interferon gamma gene

Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) is a pleiotropic cytokine secreted by T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells and has been noted to be a first line of host defense in the control of viral infections. To examine further the role of this cytokine in the control of viral infections, mice with a targeted mutation in the IFN-gamma gene were infected with influenza virus, and the in vivo antibody and cell- mediated immune response to viral infection were examined. In addition, cell lines and clones were derived from the immunized animals and the in vitro cytokine production and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response were analyzed. The absence of IFN-gamma led to increased production of influenza-specific IgG1, IL-4, and IL-5 as compared to wild-type littermate control animals. In contrast, there was no difference noted in the development of an effective CTL response between IFN-gamma- deficient and wild-type animals. In this model of experimental influenza infection, IFN-gamma is not necessary for the development of an effective humoral or cellular immune response to challenge with this respiratory virus.     

Co-infection of macrophages modulates interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor-induced activation against intracellular pathogens

Co-infection of macrophages (M phi) with Toxoplasma gondii and Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) has been observed in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In this study we have demonstrated that co-infected murine M phi respond differently to cytokine stimulation than M phi infected with either of the microorganisms alone. Whereas treatment with interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) activated both single and co-infected groups of M phi to kill T. gondii, treatment with TNF did not influence the rate of MAC growth in co-infected M phi, in contrast with the inhibition of growth observed in MAC-infected M phi. These results suggest that in AIDS patients suffering infection with multiple intracellular pathogens, the ability of cytokines to stimulate microbicidal or static activity in mononuclear phagocytes can be impaired by the presence of more than one of the intracellular organisms.     

Regulation of cytokine production by soluble CD23: costimulation of interferon gamma secretion and triggering of tumor necrosis factor alpha release

Soluble CD23 (sCD23) has multiple IgE-independent biological activities. In the present study, we examined the regulatory effect of sCD23 on cytokine production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). We show that sCD23 enhances by about 80-fold the interleukin 2 (IL-2)-induced interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production and by about 10-fold the response to IL-12. This potentiating activity is time and dose dependent and is not associated with a significant effect on DNA synthesis. The sCD23 costimulatory activity for IFN-gamma synthesis is drastically reduced in monocyte-depleted PBMC, suggesting that monocytes may be the target for sCD23. This hypothesis was supported by the following observations. First, sCD23 alone is a potent inducer of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) production by PBMC and this effect disappears after monocyte depletion. The triggering of TNF-alpha release is specifically inhibited by neutralizing anti-CD23 monoclonal antibody (mAb). In addition, IL-2 and IL-12 synergize with sCD23 to induce TNF-alpha production. Second, sCD23 triggers the release of other inflammatory mediators such as IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6. Finally, TNF-alpha production in response to IL-2 and sCD23 precedes IFN-gamma and IFN-gamma secretion is significantly inhibited by anti-TNF-alpha mAb, indicating that the sCD23 costimulatory signal for IFN-gamma production may be partially mediated by TNF-alpha release. It is proposed that sCD23 is a proinflammatory cytokine that, in addition, may play an important role in the control of the immune response via the enhancement of IFN-gamma production.     

Suppression of lymphoma and epithelial malignancies effected by interferon gamma

The immunosurveillance of transformed cells by the immune system remains one of the most controversial and poorly understood areas of immunity. Gene-targeted mice have greatly aided our understanding of the key effector molecules in tumor immunity. Herein, we describe spontaneous tumor development in gene-targeted mice lacking interferon (IFN)-gamma and/or perforin (pfp), or the immunoregulatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-12, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Both IFN-gamma and pfp were critical for suppression of lymphomagenesis, however the level of protection afforded by IFN-gamma was strain specific. Lymphomas arising in IFN-gamma-deficient mice were very nonimmunogenic compared with those derived from pfp-deficient mice, suggesting a comparatively weaker immunoselection pressure by IFN-gamma. Single loss of IL-12, IL-18, or TNF was not sufficient for spontaneous tumor development. A significant incidence of late onset adenocarcinoma observed in both IFN-gamma- and pfp-deficient mice indicated that some epithelial tissues were also subject to immunosurveillance.     

Activation-induced apoptosis in human macrophages: developmental regulation of a novel cell death pathway by macrophage colony- stimulating factor and interferon gamma

Activated macrophages (M phi s) are important participants in host defense, but their uncontrolled activation leads rapidly to septic shock and death. One mechanism for regulating other dangerous cells in the immune system is programmed cell death, or apoptosis. Monocytes are known to undergo spontaneous apoptosis upon leaving the circulation unless provided with specific survival signals, but mature tissue M phi s are more robust cells, and it was not clear that they could be similarly regulated by apoptosis. We now show that during differentiation monocytes rapidly lose their sensitivity to apoptosis triggered by passive cytokine withdrawal, but they may retain a novel pathway which initiates apoptosis after activation with specific stimuli (zymosan and phorbol esters). Sensitivity to activation-induced apoptosis was developmentally determined, being downregulated by the maturation-promoting cytokine macrophage colony-stimulating factor but stably upregulated by even transient exposure to the proinflammatory cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). Apoptosis began within 2-4 h of activation, occurred in > 95% of susceptible cells, and in mixed cocultures selectively affected only those M phi s with a history of IFN-gamma priming. Consistent with a possible role for protein kinase C in the signaling pathway leading to cell death, the kinase inhibitor staurosporine was protective against both phorbol ester- and zymosan- induced apoptosis. Our studies describe a novel form of activation- induced M phi apoptosis which is developmentally regulated by two physiologically relevant cytokines. We speculate that apoptosis may serve to restrict the destructive potential of inflammatory M phi s.