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Interferon system of human cornea cells: interferon production, characterization, and development of antiviral state.

The interferon (IFN) system of human cornea cells in culture was studied. IFN produced by these cells by infection with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was shown, by neutralization studies with specific antisera against human alpha interferon (HuIFN-alpha) and human beta interferon (HuIFN-beta), to contain 90-95% antiviral activity characteristic of the HuIFN-beta and 5-10% that of HuIFN-alpha. The chromatographic behavior of human cornea IFN on Con A-Sepharose and zinc chelate agarose columns was identical to that of HuIFN-beta produced by human foreskin cells. The cornea cells developed marked resistance when exposed to either HuIFN-beta or human gamma interferon (HuIFN-gamma) against vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), but to a much lesser degree against HSV-1. Both the laboratory-adapted strain and a clinical isolate of HSV-1 were found to be resistant to HuIFN-beta and HuIFN-gamma as compared with VSV. The clinical isolate of HSV-1 was, however, more sensitive to HuIFN-gamma than the laboratory-adapted strain. Furthermore, a combination of HuIFN-beta and HuIFN-gamma did not significantly increase the level of antiviral state induced in cornea cells against HSV-1. These results suggest that in-vitro culture of human cornea cells can be a valuable system to evaluate the potential of chemotherapeutic agents against common ophthalmic viral infections.

Cells, Cultured↗

Human rhinovirus attenuates the type I interferon response by disrupting activation of interferon regulatory factor 3.

The type I interferon (IFN) response requires the coordinated activation of the latent transcription factors NF-kappaB, interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3), and ATF-2, which in turn activate transcription from the IFN-beta promoter. Synthesis and subsequent secretion of IFN-beta activate the Jak/STAT signaling pathway, resulting in the transcriptional induction of the full spectrum of antiviral gene products. We utilized high-density microarrays to examine the transcriptional response to rhinovirus type 14 (RV14) infection in HeLa cells, with particular emphasis on the type I interferon response and production of IFN-beta. We found that, although RV14 infection results in altered levels of a wide variety of host mRNAs, induction of IFN-beta mRNA or activation of the Jak/STAT pathway is not seen. Prior work has shown, and our results have confirmed, that NF-kappaB and ATF-2 are activated following infection. Since many viruses are known to target IRF-3 to inhibit the induction of IFN-beta mRNA, we analyzed the status of IRF-3 in infected cells. IRF-3 was translocated to the nucleus and phosphorylated in RV14-infected cells. Despite this apparent activation, very little homodimerization of IRF-3 was evident following infection. Similar results in A549 lung alveolar epithelial cells demonstrated the biological relevance of these findings to RV14 pathogenesis. In addition, prior infection of cells with RV14 prevented the induction of IFN-beta mRNA following treatment with double-stranded RNA, indicating that RV14 encodes an activity that specifically inhibits this innate host defense pathway. Collectively, these results indicate that RV14 infection inhibits the host type I interferon response by interfering with IRF-3 activation.

Activating Transcription Factor 2↗

[The interferon system: inhibitors of interferon action].

The review of the literature data and the authors' data on interferon action inhibitors being one of the components of interferon system is presented. The methods of the production of various types of interferon action inhibitors, their characteristics and the main differences between them are described. The possible mechanisms of inhibitors' actions are considered. It was shown that the study of interferon action inhibitors is important in both the theoretical and practical aspects.

Animals↗

A randomized placebo-controlled trial of recombinant human interferon alpha 2a in patients with AIDS. Interferon Alpha Study Group.

We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the tolerance and efficacy of recombinant human interferon alpha 2a (Roferon A) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) without Kaposi's sarcoma. A total of 67 patients were enrolled in five medical centers from October 1983 through April 1986, and received either placebo, 3 million units, or 36 million units of interferon alpha three times a week for 12 weeks. There were no significant differences in median survival, frequency of development of opportunistic infections, median T4-cell counts, or serum p24 antigen levels during therapy among the three groups. There was a significant increase in weight in the 3-million-unit group compared with 36-million-unit and placebo groups. Adverse reactions were common in the two interferon groups, but did not differ significantly from the placebo group. Neither significant therapeutic benefit nor adverse reaction was demonstrated in this study to be associated with interferon-alpha administration. This study underlines the value of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies to address specific issues of drug efficacy and toxicity.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Anti-alpha interferon antibodies after alpha interferon treatment in patients with chronic viral hepatitis.

Thirty-five patients with chronic viral hepatitis (B, D or non A, non B), treated with alpha interferon were evaluated by a highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay for the presence of alpha interferon neutralizing antibodies before and after three months of treatment. Although 4 subjects (11.4%) became immunized against alpha interferon, treatment with the drug was successful in inhibiting viral replication in 3 of them. We conclude that the appearance of anti alpha interferon antibodies does not affect the effectiveness of the drug, and is therefore not worth monitoring.

Adolescent↗

[Change in interferon status in patients with acute viral hepatitis during intramuscular and rectal administration of genetically engineered alpha-2-interferon].

Viferon500 suppositories representing a combination of recombinant alpha 2-interferon and membrane-stabilizing agents were used in the treatment of adult patients with acute viral hepatitis B. Changes in interferon status of the blood under the effect of reaferon and viferon500 were studied. Both reaferon and viferon500 suppositories were found to stimulate interferon synthesis in patients with acute viral hepatitis B, their stimulating effect correlating with the positive time course of clinical manifestations of the disease. The results permit us recommend viferon500 for the treatment of viral hepatitis in the early period of the icterus in order to prevent the disease progress. Parameters of the interferon system may serve as an objective criterion for assessment of the treatment efficacy.

Acute Disease↗

Phase II study of interferon-gamma versus interleukin-2 and interferon-alpha 2b in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: In a randomized phase II study we evaluated response, survival and side effects of low dose recombinant interferon-gamma in 30 patients (group 1) versus recombinant interleukin-2 and interferon-alpha 2b in 30 (group 2) with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Group 1 received 200 micrograms interferon-gamma subcutaneously once a week. Group 2 received 4 x 4.8 x 10(6) IU/m.2 interleukin-2 subcutaneously on days 1 and 22, 2 x 4.8 x 10(6) IU/m.2 on days 2 and 23, and 2 x 2.4 x 10(6) IU/m.2 combined with interferon-alpha 2b subcutaneously at 3 x 10(6) IU/m.2 on days 3, 5, 24 and 26, and 6 x 10(6) IU/m.2 3 times weekly for 6 weeks. RESULTS: Toxicity grades 2 and 3 (World Health Organization) were observed in group 2 only. After followup of 13 months there was no remission in group 1 compared to 7 remissions in group 2, with 23 cases of progressive disease detected. CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy showed an objective response rate of 23% (p = 0.01). Although survival was not a primary aim of the study, there was a tendency toward no significant difference in survival when evaluating these relatively small groups (p = 0.49).

Adult↗

Relationship of the genomic complexity of hepatitis C virus with liver disease severity and response to interferon in patients with chronic HCV genotype 1b infection [correction of interferon].

In patients with chronic hepatitis C, the influence of the genetic heterogeneity of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) on the progression of liver disease and on the responsiveness to interferon therapy is a matter of controversy. In this study we evaluated the genetic complexity of HCV by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of amplicons from the hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) in 168 patients with chronic genotype 1b HCV infection, of whom 122 received a single course of interferon therapy (3 MU, three times weekly for 6 months). No correlation was observed between the degree of genetic complexity of HCV (indicated by the number of bands in the SSCP assay) and patient age, serum alanine aminotransferase activity, or serum HCV-RNA concentration, measured by competitive polymerase chain reaction. HCV genomic complexity was not related to gender nor to the presumed source of infection. The number of SSCP bands detected in serum samples from patients with chronic hepatitis, either mild (8.1 +/- 3.9), moderate (8.0 +/- 3.3), or severe (9.2 +/- 3.3), and in patients with liver cirrhosis, either compensated (8.0 +/- 2.9), decompensated (6.3 +/- 2.9), or with superimposed hepatocellular carcinoma (9.5 +/- 2.9), was similar. The number of SSCP bands detected in patients with sustained response (7.5 +/- 3. 9), transient response (8.3 +/- 2.9), or no response (8.2 +/- 3.6) to interferon administration was similar as well. These observations suggest that the genetic complexity of hypervariable region (HVR1) of HCV, as estimated by SSCP analysis, is not related to the severity of liver injury nor to the type of response to interferon therapy. Thus, information offered by SSCP analysis of HVR1 of HCV in chronic HCV genotype 1b infection does not appear to be useful in the clinical management of these patients. (HEPATOLOGY 1999;29:897-903.)

Adult↗

Dissection of the interferon gamma-MHC class II signal transduction pathway reveals that type I and type II interferon systems share common signalling component(s).

We have used a herpes virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) based metabolic selection system to isolate mutants defective in the interferon gamma mediated induction of the MHC class II promoter. All the mutations act in trans and result in no detectable induction of MHC and invariant chain (Ii) gene expression. Scatchard analysis indicates that the mutants have a normal number of surface IFN gamma receptors with the same affinity constant. The mutants fall into two broad categories. One class of mutants is still able to induce MHC class I, IRF-1, 9-27, 1-8 and GBP genes by IFN gamma. A second class of mutants is defective for the IFN gamma induction of all the genes tested; surprisingly, the IFN alpha/beta induction of MHC class I, 9-27, ISG54 and ISG15 genes is also defective in these mutants, although different members of this class can be discriminated by the response of the GBP and IRF-1 genes to type I interferons. These data demonstrate that the signalling pathways of both type I and type II interferon systems share common signal transduction component(s). These mutants will be useful for the study of IFN gamma regulation of class II genes and Ii chain, and to elucidate molecular components of type I and type II interferon signal transduction.

Base Sequence↗

High rate of sustained response to consensus interferon plus ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C patients resistant to alpha-interferon and ribavirin: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate an alternative treatment (consensus interferon plus ribavirin) for chronic hepatitis C patients resistant to combined therapy. METHODS: Fourteen patients previously resistant to interferon alpha plus ribavirin were consecutively assigned to receive 15 microg of consensus interferon plus ribavirin (1000 mg) daily for 4 weeks, and 9-15 microg every other day plus daily ribavirin for the following 44 weeks. Alanine aminotransferase and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA (Amplicor Monitor; Roche) levels were monitored during therapy and for 24 weeks after its completion. RESULTS: A rapid and marked decrease of HCV RNA viremia of more than 2 logs was observed in 10 (71%) of 14 patients at week 2 of treatment. At the end of therapy, 10 (71%) of 14 patients had undetectable HCV RNA. The end-of-treatment response rates were 6 of 9 (67%) patients for genotype 1 and 4 of 5 (80%) for other genotypes. Sustained response was observed in 4 (36%) of 11 patients who completed 24 weeks of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A marked and rapid decrease of viral load was observed during therapy with high doses of consensus interferon plus ribavirin in patients previously resistant to combined therapy, even in those infected with genotype 1. Of 11 patients who completed the post-treatment follow-up, 36% presented a sustained response.

Adult↗

Mechanism of interferon action: human leukocyte and immune interferons regulate the expression of different genes and induce different antiviral states in human amnion U cells.

The inhibition of virus replication and the induction of protein phosphorylation were examined in human amnion U and human fibroblast GM2767A cells treated with highly purified cloned human leukocyte and immune interferons synthesized in Escherichia coli. Both leukocyte interferon (IFN-alpha A) and immune interferon (IFN-gamma) possessed antiviral activity as measured by the single cycle yield reduction of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in the human U and GM2767A cell lines. By contrast, only IFN-gamma and not IFN-alpha A inhibited the single cycle replication of reovirus in U and GM2767A cells. IFN-alpha A, but not IFN-gamma, efficiently induced the double-stranded RNA-dependent phosphorylation of the ribosome-associated protein P1 and the alpha subunit of protein synthesis initiation factor eIF-2 in U cells. However, neither IFN-alpha A nor IFN-gamma induced the phosphorylation of P1 and eIF-2 alpha in GM2767A cells. The antiviral activities of IFN-alpha A and IFN-gamma were synergistic for the inhibition of VSV but not for the inhibition of reovirus or the induction of protein phosphorylation. These results suggest that human leukocyte and immune interferons differentially regulate the expression of certain genes and induce mechanistically distinct antiviral states in human cells.

Amnion↗

Comparison of vincristine, carmustine, melphalan, cyclophosphamide, prednisone (VBMCP) and interferon-alpha with melphalan and prednisone (MP) and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in patients with good-prognosis multiple myeloma: a prospective randomized study. Greek Myeloma Study Group.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to evaluate, in a selected group of myeloma patients with favorable prognosis, the effect, on response and survival, of polychymotherapy compared with melphalan prednisone, plus interferon in both arms. METHODS: Eighty-nine previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma and prognostic factors indicating a good prognosis were randomized to either oral melphalan plus prednisone (MP) in combination with recombinant interferon-alpha (rIFN-alpha) or combination chemotherapy with vincristine, carmustine, melphalan, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone (VBMCP) alternating with rIFN-alpha. The two treatment groups were comparable in terms of pretreatment characteristics. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 67.4% (2.3% complete remission, 65.1% partial response) in the MP/IFN-alpha group and 69.1% (14.3% complete remission, 54.8% partial response) in the VBMCP/IFN-alpha group (p=0.59). There were no differences also in response duration and overall survival between the two treatment groups. The median response duration was 39.1 months in the MP/IFN-alpha group and was not reached in the VBMCP/IFN-alpha group (p = 0.6). Overall survival was long in both treatment groups. The estimated 5-yr survival was 66% and 62% in the MP/IFN-alpha and VBMCP/IFN-alpha group, respectively (p=0.8). Toxicity was modest and treatments were well tolerated. Neutropenia (WHO grade 3 or 4) was higher, but not statistically significant, in the VBMCP/IFN-alpha group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study show that in myeloma patients with good prognosis, combination chemotherapy alternating with interferon-alpha has no advantage over conventional MP plus interferon-alpha, in regard to response rate, response duration, and overall survival of patients.

Aged↗

A unique set of polypeptides is induced by gamma interferon in addition to those induced in common with alpha and beta interferons.

Human immune interferon (IFN-gamma) differs from leukocyte interferon (IFN-alpha) and fibroblast interferon (IFN-beta) in cell origin, inducing agents, physical and biological properties and amino acid sequence. These differences have led to interest in possible differences in the biological properties of IFN-gamma compared with IFN-alpha and IFN-beta. IFN-gamma has the same broad range of biochemical and biological actions as do IFN-alpha and IFN-beta, although relative potencies vary depending on the cell type and function investigated. There has so far been no direct evidence that IFN-gamma alters normal cell functions differently from other interferons. We report here striking qualitative and quantitative differences in the intracellular response of human fibroblasts to IFN-gamma compared with IFN-alpha and IFN-beta. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis demonstrates, in addition to the induction of a common group of polypeptides, the existence of a set of polypeptides whose synthesis is uniquely induced by IFN-gamma.

Cell Line↗

Alpha interferon therapy in Danish haemophiliac patients with chronic hepatitis C: results of a randomized controlled open label study comparing two different maintenance regimens following standard interferon-alpha-2b treatment.

Following a survey among all Danish haemophiliac patients 49 HIV-negative patients with chronic hepatitis C were offered enrollment in a randomized controlled open label study comparing two different maintenance regimens following standard interferon-alpha-2b treatment. Dose modifications and treatment discontinuation were based upon changes in transaminase levels. Forty-seven patients enrolled received 3 MU of alpha interferon thrice weekly (TIW) for 3 months. Twenty-six nonresponders had their dose increased to 6 MU TIW for an additional 3 months, while 21 responding patients continued on 3 MU TIW. At 6 months, 25 patients with a complete or a partial biochemical response were randomly allocated to either a fixed dose regimen (13 patients) (3 or 6 MU thrice weekly) or an individualized dose regimen (12 patients) tapering interferon dose from 3 or 6 MU by one-third every 2 months if transaminases were persistently normal. The remaining 22 biochemical nonresponders were followed for an additional 6 months without further treatment. After 12 months of treatment, 18 patients (38%) had a virological response, irrespective of regimen, and seven patients (16%) had a sustained virological and biochemical response after 6 months of follow up. Overall, the individualized treatment regimen did not seem to offer any advantage over the fixed dose regimen. The response to alpha interferon treatment in Danish haemophiliac patients with chronic hepatitis C immediately after treatment is comparable to that obtained in previous studies among nonhaemophiliacs. However, a sustained virological and biochemical response was seen in only 16% of treatment patients.

Adolescent↗

Normal mouse skin lymphocyte, Langerhans cell, and keratinocyte responses to intradermal injections of interferon-alpha and interferon-gamma.

To investigate the skin immune responses induced by intradermal injections of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), normal C3H mice were injected intradermally with murine recombinant interferon-alpha (rIFN-alpha), interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma), or the combination of rIFN-alpha and rIFN-gamma, three times per week for 2 or 4 weeks. Contralateral sites were similarly injected with placebo (saline). The results showed that after 6 or 12 injections of rIFN-alpha (10,000 IU/per injection), epidermal ATPase+ and Ia+ Langerhans cells (LGs) decreased significantly (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) but dermal lymphocytic infiltrates, including CD3+ (pan-T cells), L3T4+ (T helper cells), Lyt-2+ (T suppressor/cytotoxic cells), MOMA+ (macrophages and monocytes), and dermal Ia+ cells, increased significantly (p < 0.01) compared with both saline injection sites and untreated skin. In contrast to rIFN-alpha, 6 injections of 10,000 IU rIFN-gamma failed to induce significant changes in either epidermal LGs or dermal lymphocytic infiltrates, except for an increase in dermal MOMA+ cells. High-dose rIFN-gamma injections (50,000 IU) strongly enhanced the expression of Ia antigen in epidermal keratinocytes (KCs), increased dermal lymphocytic infiltrates, and decreased the LGs in a similar pattern to that of rIFN-alpha. Furthermore, rIFN-gamma (50,000 IU) injections induced Ia antigen expression on the KCs in the contralateral saline injection areas, suggesting a systemic effect. Injections of a combination of rIFN-alpha and rIFN-gamma failed to show synergism for induction of skin immune responses.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Effect of recombinant fibroblast interferon and recombinant immune interferon on growth and the antigenic phenotype of multidrug-resistant human glioblastoma multiforme cells.

To study the effect of drug resistance on the response of stage IV astrocytomas to interferon, a human glioblastoma multiforme cell line, GBM-18, was transfected with an expression-vector plasmid containing a human multidrug resistance (MDR) gene (pHaMDR1/A), and clones surviving in colchicine were isolated. GBM-18 multidrug-resistant subclones displayed cross-resistance to other chemotherapeutic agents, including vincristine, doxorubicin, and dactinomycin. The multidrug-resistant phenotype was reversible when GBM-18 multidrug-resistant cells were cultured in colchicine and the calcium-channel blocker verapamil. The level of the MDR1 gene (also known as PGY1) message was increased in GBM-18 multidrug-resistant cells selected for increased resistance to colchicine, and this effect was not correlated with an amplification of the MDR1 gene. In both parental GBM-18 and GBM-18 multidrug-resistant cells, growth was suppressed to a greater degree when cultures were treated with the combination of fibroblast interferon (IFN-beta) and immune interferon (IFN-gamma). Parental cells and multidrug-resistant subclones varied in their de novo and/or interferon-modulated expression of HLA class I and class II antigens, a high-molecular-weight melanoma-associated antigen, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). Of the antigens tested, ICAM-1 and HLA class I antigens were the most sensitive to enhanced expression induced by IFN-beta and IFN-gamma when used alone or in combination. The results of the present study indicate that multidrug-resistant human glioblastoma multiforme cells retain their increased sensitivity to the antiproliferative activity of the combination of IFN-beta plus IFN-gamma, and differences in antigenic phenotype are apparent in independent multidrug-resistant glioblastoma multiforme clones.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Phase II study of fludarabine combined with interferon-alpha-2a followed by maintenance therapy with interferon-alpha-2a in patients with low-grade non-hodgkin's lymphoma.

Randomized trials suggest improved disease-free survival in low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (LGNHL) when interferon is combined with multiagent chemotherapy. This phase II trial was conducted to investigate the feasibility of combining fludarabine monophosphate (fludarabine) and IFN in a regimen for treatment of LGNHL. Twenty-one patients were evaluable. Median age was 55 years, and patients had been treated with an average of 1.7 chemotherapy regimens before enrollment. Patients received 25 mg/m2 of fludarabine intravenously on days 1 through 5 followed by 2 x 10(6) U/m2 of interferon-alpha-2a subcutaneously on days 22 through 26. Cycles were repeated every 4 weeks with delays and dose modifications for significant cytopenias. Patients were restaged after cycles 4 and 8, and those with at least a partial response to therapy were given maintenance therapy consisting of 2 x 10(6) U/m2 interferon-alpha-2a subcutaneously three times per week for 6 months. The overall response rate was 76% with a 25% complete response (CR) rate. Overall response rates were 75% (3/4 with 2 CR's) for chemotherapy-naive patients and 76% (13/17 with 3 CR's) for previously treated patients. Median time to progression was 12 months, and currently two patients are without evidence of progression at a median follow-up of 55 months. Grade III or greater toxicities included neutropenia (39%), anemia (17%), thrombocytopenia (5%), fevers/chills (5%), and fatigue (5%). Fludarabine and interferon can be effectively and safely combined in a regimen with significant activity against LGNHL. A modification of this regimen may be suitable for further study.

Adult↗

Biologic activity of polyethylene glycol12000-interferon-alpha2b compared with interferon-alpha2b: gene modulatory and antigrowth effects in tumor cells.

The relative activities of interferon-alpha2b (IFN-alpha2b) and polyethylene glycol(12000)-IFN-alpha2b (PEG-IFN-alpha2b) were assessed in cell culture studies using WM9 melanoma or ACHN renal cell carcinoma cell lines. Interferon-alpha2b and PEG-IFN-alpha2b had identical antiproliferative activities when tested in cell proliferation studies conducted with equivalent antiviral units of each IFN preparation. Neither IFN formulation was effective in inducing apoptosis in WM9 melanoma cells, but both increased slightly the percentage of ACHN cells undergoing apoptosis as assessed by Annexin V staining. Interferon-alpha2b and PEG-IFN-alpha2b both activated signal transducer and activator of transcription complexes, and the duration of complex activation was similar for both IFN formulations. Induction of different IFN-stimulated genes was assessed by Northern blotting and the quantitative real-time reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in WM9 melanoma, ACHN renal cell carcinoma, U937 lymphoma, and MOLT-4 and Mono Mac 6 leukemia cell lines. Interferon-alpha2b and PEG-IFN-alpha2b had equivalent gene-modulatory activities within each of these tumor cell lines, although cell line-specific induction patterns were observed. When compared with the antiviral 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) values, the dose-dependent gene expression data correlated with cell sensitivity to IFN treatment. Together, the drug comparability and cell sensitivity data suggest a predictive relation between dose, time, antiviral activity, and gene transcription effects. Therefore, although the specific activity of IFN-alpha2b is approximately three times greater than PEG-IFN-alpha2b, the two preparations have identical in vitro biologic activities when applied to cells at equivalent antiviral units.

Animals↗