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Archive > Volume 20 Issue 5 > 2013,20(5):507-514. DOI:10.3872/j.issn.1007-385X.2013.05.001 Prev Next
Editorial
Dual role of interferons in tumor immunology
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Abstract:
Interferon (IFN) was early discovered as a family of antiviral cytokines which includes three main classes: type I IFNs, type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ . IFN plays critical roles in multiple biological activities such as anti-virus infection, regulation of cell proliferation and immunological response through JAK-STAT dependent or independent signaling pathways. In addition, IFNs also take an important role in tumor immunology. Type Ⅰ IFNs can activate DC cells to relase tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL), which can enhance the cytotoxicity of NK cells or kill tumor cellls directly. Meanwhile, type Ⅱ IFNs can activate CTL to kill tumor cells, and can enhance identification of CTL to tumors by increasing the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) or indirectly inhibit tumor progression through regulating cell metabolism. However, under certain conditions, IFN-γ was found to increase the numbers of Treg and Th17 cells and induce MDSC infiltrating in the tumor microenvironment that can suppress the function of immune system and “help” tumor cells escape from immunosurveillance. Therefore, IFNs participate in tumor immunology as a “double-edged sword”. Further studies on the function and mechanism of IFNs in tumor immunolgy, and exploration of new IFN-based cancer treatment (such as IFN-based immuno-chemotherapy) are significant guides to improve tumor treatment.
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Project Supported:
Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81230074)
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