Brain endothelial cyclic GMP-AMP synthase(cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes(STING)signaling pathway in aging and neurodegeneration

The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase(cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes(STING)signaling pathway has emerged as a key mediator of neuroinflammation.While current studies primarily attribute its effects to neurons and glial cells,emerging research suggests that cGAS-STING signaling may play a critical role in cerebral vasculature,particularly in brain endothelial cells.Therefore,studying the role 7of inflammation caused by the cGAS-STING pathway in brain endothelial cells could provide a more comprehensive understanding of neuroinflammatory disease and new avenues for therapeutic interventions.Here,we review the multifaceted role of global cGAS-STING signaling in various neurological and neuroinflammatory diseases and the potential contribution of cGAS-STING in brain endothelial cells.

The cGAS-STING-interferon regulatory factor 7 pathway regulates neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease

Interferon regulatory factor 7 plays a crucial role in the innate immune response.However,whether interferon regulatory factor 7-mediated signaling contributes to Parkinson's disease remains unknown.Here we report that interferon regulatory factor 7 is markedly up-regulated in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease and co-localizes with microglial cells.Both the selective cyclic guanosine monophosphate adenosine monophosphate synthase inhibitor RU.521 and the stimulator of interferon genes inhibitor H151 effectively suppressed interferon regulatory factor 7 activation in BV2 microglia exposed to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium and inhibited transformation of mouse BV2 microglia into the neurotoxic M1 phenotype.In addition,si RNA-mediated knockdown of interferon regulatory factor 7 expression in BV2 microglia reduced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase,tumor necrosis factorα,CD16,CD32,and CD86 and increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory markers ARG1 and YM1.Taken together,our findings indicate that the cyclic guanosine monophosphate adenosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon genes-interferon regulatory factor 7 pathway plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.

Evaluation of Interferon-Gamma Release Assay Testing and Tuberculin Skin Test for Early Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of interferon-γ release assay (IGRA), a sensitive microbiological diagnostic method, in children and adolescents with suspected tuberculosis in a country with a high burden of tuberculosis. Method: This study included 581 children and adolescents aged 4 - 19 years who were suspected of having tuberculosis, were latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and had received at least one dose of BCG vaccine between April 17, 2019, and February 24, 2021. The study evaluated the TST results of 106 patients who had a positive Quantiferon test and were suspected of having tuberculosis. Results: The study included 581 patients aged between 4 and 19 years. Of these, 106 patients tested positive for the Quantiferon test, while 19 were indeterminate and 456 were negative. The Quantiferon test positivity rate was 18.24%. Among the 106 QFT-Plus-positive cases, 23 patients also tested positive for TST. The difference in distribution was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The QFT-Plus test is considered an alternative to TST and other microbiological diagnostic methods for early tuberculosis diagnosis, particularly in children and adolescents.

Gut microbial metabolite targets HDAC3-FOXK1-interferon axis in fibroblast-like synoviocytes to ameliorate rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is an autoimmune disease.Early studies hold an opinion that gut microbiota is environmentally acquired and associated with RA susceptibility.However,accumulating evidence demonstrates that genetics also shape the gut microbiota.It is known that some strains of inbred laboratory mice are highly susceptible to collagen-induced arthritis(CIA),while the others are resistant to CIA.Here,we show that transplantation of fecal microbiota of CIA-resistant C57BL/6J mice to CIA-susceptible DBA/1J mice confer CIA resistance in DBA/1J mice.C57BL/6J mice and healthy human individuals have enriched B.fragilis than DBA/1J mice and RA patients.Transplantation of B.fragilis prevents CIA in DBA/1J mice.We identify that B.fragilis mainly produces propionate and C57BL/6J mice and healthy human individuals have higher level of propionate.Fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLSs)in RA are activated to undergo tumor-like transformation.Propionate disrupts HDAC3-FOXK1 interaction to increase acetylation of FOXK1,resulting in reduced FOXK1 stability,blocked interferon signaling and deactivation of RA-FLSs.We treat CIA mice with propionate and show that propionate attenuates CIA.Moreover,a combination of propionate with anti-TNF etanercept synergistically relieves CIA.These results suggest that B.fragilis or propionate could be an alternative or complementary approach to the current therapies.

Expression level of interferon-stimulated genes PKR,OAS1,MX1,and ISG15 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of COVID-19 patients:A retrospective study

Objective:To explore expression level of interferon-stimulated genes PKR,OAS1,MX1,and ISG15 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of COVID-19 patients.Methods:In this study,changes in the expression of four interferon-stimulated genes(ISGs),including PKR,OAS1,MX1,and ISG15,in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 45 COVID-19 patients with different severities were evaluated by real-time PCR method.Results:OAS1,MX1,PKR,and ISG15 were differently expressed in COVID-19 patients with different severity.The results showed that the expression of OAS1,MX1,PKR,and ISG15 genes was significantly(P=0.001)lower in severe patients.Conclusions:Weak and defective IFN response and subsequent disruption of ISGs may be associated with COVID-19 severity.

Relationship between Phenotypic Changes of Dendritic Cell Subsets and the Onset of Plateau Phase during Intermittent Interferon Therapy in Patients with CHB

Objective This study aimed to evaluate whether the onset of the plateau phase of slow hepatitis B surface antigen decline in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with intermittent interferon therapy is related to the frequency of dendritic cell subsets and expression of the costimulatory molecules CD40,CD80,CD83,and CD86.Method This was a cross-sectional study in which patients were divided into a natural history group(namely NH group),a long-term oral nucleoside analogs treatment group(namely NA group),and a plateau-arriving group(namely P group).The percentage of plasmacytoid dendritic cell and myeloid dendritic cell subsets in peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes and the mean fluorescence intensity of their surface costimulatory molecules were detected using a flow cytometer.Results In total,143 patients were enrolled(NH group,n=49;NA group,n=47;P group,n=47).The results demonstrated that CD141/CD1c double negative myeloid dendritic cell(DNmDC)/lymphocytes and monocytes(%)in P group(0.041[0.024,0.069])was significantly lower than that in NH group(0.270[0.135,0.407])and NA group(0.273[0.150,0.443]),and CD86 mean fluorescence intensity of DNmDCs in P group(1832.0[1484.0,2793.0])was significantly lower than that in NH group(4316.0[2958.0,5169.0])and NA group(3299.0[2534.0,4371.0]),Adjusted P all<0.001.Conclusion Reduced DNmDCs and impaired maturation may be associated with the onset of the plateau phase during intermittent interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Role of cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathway in diabetes and its complications

Diabetes mellitus(DM)is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide,with inflammation being an important factor in its onset and development.This review summarizes the specific mechanisms of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase(cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes(STING)pathway in mediating inflammatory responses.Furthermore,it compre-hensively presents related research progress and the subsequent involvement of this pathway in the pathogenesis of early-stage DM,diabetic gastroenteropathy,diabetic cardiomyopathy,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,and other complic-ations.Additionally,the role of cGAS-STING in autonomic dysfunction and intes-tinal dysregulation,which can lead to digestive complications,has been discuss-ed.Altogether,this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the research advances regarding the cGAS-STING pathway-targeted therapeutic agents and the prospects for their application in the precision treatment of DM.

炎性因子干扰素γ以焦亡途径影响人血管平滑肌细胞的迁移和凋亡

背景:子宫螺旋动脉重铸的顺利进行是正常妊娠的必要条件之一,血管平滑肌细胞是此过程的重要细胞。干扰素γ与妊娠早期螺旋动脉血管平滑肌细胞丢失相关,但具体机制尚未明确。目的:探讨干扰素γ通过NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD焦亡途径对血管平滑肌细胞迁移、凋亡生物学功能的影响。方法:人血管平滑肌细胞分为对照组和干扰素γ组,对照组正常培养,干扰素γ组采用10 ng/mL干扰素γ处理24 h。Transwell实验检测血管平滑肌细胞的迁移能力;荧光TUNEL实验及流式细胞术检测血管平滑肌细胞的凋亡情况;qPCR检测NLRP3和caspase-1 mRNA表达水平;Western blot检测NLRP3、caspase-1、cleaved N-terminal GSDMD蛋白表达水平。结果与结论:与对照组相比,干扰素γ组血管平滑肌细胞的迁移能力及凋亡率显著升高(P<0.05);与对照组相比,干扰素γ组血管平滑肌细胞中NLRP3和caspase-1 mRNA表达水平显著升高(P<0.05);与对照组相比,干扰素γ组血管平滑肌细胞中NLRP3、caspase-1、cleaved N-terminal GSDMD蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.05)。结果表明,干扰素γ可能通过NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD焦亡途径调控血管平滑肌细胞的迁移和凋亡。

Acute Toxicity of Recombinant Porcine Interferon-alpha

To observe the acute toxicity of recombinant porcine interferen-alpha （IFN-alpha） in mice and thus provide a basis for the clinical safety. [Method] According to the principles of acute toxicity, all the mice were divided into two major groups （intraperitoneally injected group and intramuscularly injected group） respectively at high dose, moderate dose and low dose. And the normal control group was also set up. Within 14 d after administration, the behavior of mouse and the degree of toxicity were continuously observed. The hematological indexes and biochemical indexes of blood were detected to obtain the preliminary toxicity data of the recombinant porcine IFN-alpha. And at the end of the experiment, mice were sacrificed for autopsy. [ Result] There was not significant difference in external performance, behavioral characteristics, body temperature, weight, pathological anatomy of visceral organs, hematological indexes and biochemical indexes between the experimental groups and the control group. [ Conclusion] The highest dose of porcine interferon （5.0 x 10s IU per mouse） in this experiment or the dose lower than this dosage should not have significant toxic effects on mice, and the recombinant porcine IFN-alpha is safe in clinical application.

中药治疗腰椎椎体间融合术后发热的炎症信号通路

背景:术后发热是后路腰椎椎体间融合后常见临床症状之一,目前没有明确的病因病机,患者术后体温易反复,病程较久,西药治疗效果欠佳,影响患者术后恢复。目的:综述总结炎症信号通路和术后发热的关联及中药防治后路腰椎椎体间融合后发热的机制,为研究术后发热继续探索新的治疗药物。方法:检索CNKI中国期刊全文数据库、万方数据库和PubMed数据库2006年6月至2023年12月收录的文献,中文检索词为“中药,术后发热,炎症,白细胞介素1,白细胞介素6,白细胞介素8,干扰素γ,肿瘤坏死因子,前列腺素E2,p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶,核因子κB,Toll样受体,Janus激酶/信号转导和转录激活因子,Notch信号通路”;英文检索词为“medicinal herb,postoperative fever,inflammation,interleukin-1,interleukin-6,interleukin-8,γ-interferon,tumor necrosis factor,Prostaglandin E2,p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase,nuclear factor-κB,toll-like receptor,janus kinases/signal transducer and activator of transcription,notch signaling pathway”。阅读文章剔除研究内容不相关、质量差的文献,纳入100篇文献进行归纳总结。结果与结论:(1)手术造成软组织创伤促使机体释放炎症因子,促炎因子作用于下丘脑前部的体温调节中心,促使发热;(2)术后切口内出血及渗液等的吸收,吞噬细胞吞噬坏死细胞的蛋白分解产物后,产生内生致热原(白细胞介素、肿瘤坏死因子、干扰素等)导致发热;(3)细胞因子通过炎症信号通路发挥致炎作用,促使发热;(4)中药或中药复方可以调控炎症信号通路发挥抗炎解热作用防治术后发热;目前中药作用机制尚无定论,应深入研究阐明中医药防治术后发热的相关信号通路,运用现代技术把细胞分子技术与中医药药理作用机制联系起来,以便指导临床医生用药,促进患者术后恢复;(5)中药联合西药治疗术后发热是未来的研究热点,应充分发挥中医药优势,明确不同证型应用中药单体或有效成分提取物和中药汤剂的靶点作用机制。

隔药饼灸调节大鼠免疫抑制机制的转录组测序分析

背景:免疫抑制会导致机体免疫功能受损,加重病情。隔药饼灸能有效调节机体免疫功能,提高机体免疫力,但其调节机制目前仍不清楚。目的:基于转录组学的生物信息学技术对隔药饼灸干预的免疫抑制模型大鼠进行测序,探究隔药饼灸调控免疫的机制。方法:将24只SD大鼠随机分为空白组、模型组和隔药饼灸组,每组8只,模型组与隔药饼灸组采用腹腔注射环磷酰胺制备免疫抑制模型,35 mg/kg,连续3 d,造模结束后空白组与模型组不做干预,隔药饼灸组在大鼠中脘、神阙、关元及足三里穴位进行艾炷与药饼结合的隔药饼灸干预,连续10 d,1次/d,干预结束后次日取材。取各组大鼠外周血进行白细胞数量检测;采用Illumina测序平台进行RNA-seq,筛选差异基因,结合GO与KEGG数据库,对差异基因进行生物信息学相关分析。结果与结论:①与空白组比较,模型组白细胞数量显著减少(P<0.001)。②RNA-seq共筛选出模型组与空白组间差异基因3026个,其中1565个上调、1461个下调,隔药饼灸组与模型组间差异基因535个,其中280个上调、255个下调。③韦恩图分析获得模型组与空白组159个下调基因经隔药饼灸干预后上调,蛋白互作网络分析获得Oasl,Oas2,Isg15,Herc6,Mx2,Helz2,Mx1,Syk,Hspa1a及Ret等10个核心靶点;④GO与KEGG分析隔药饼灸调节机体的机制有免疫应答途径、病毒相关、血管新生和自身免疫系统等通路。⑤上述结果证实,实验筛选出隔药饼灸干预免疫抑制与Oasl,Oas2,Isg15,Herc6,Mx2,Helz2及Mx1靶点有明显关联,并且在免疫应答、病毒相关及血管新生等通路中发挥调控作用。

Assessment of natural and interleukin-2-induced production of interferon-gamma in patients with liver diseases

AIMS To clarify whether the lower interferon gamma (IFNγ) production by lymphocytes in patients with liver diseases is due to defects of lymphocytes themselves or of other cofactors such as interleukin-2(IL-2). METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with various liver diseases were cultured with or without PHA and IL-2. The cells were harvested and counted and the su- pernatants were tested for IFNγ by a sensitive and quantitative ABC-ELISA. RESULTS IFNγ was not round in serum samples from patients as well as normal individuals. However,in supernatants of non-in- duced and induced PBMCs,IFN7 was detected by ABC-ELISA. In non-induced PBMCs (group 1),the content of IFNγ in super- natants from control,CAH,CPH and HCC was 8.72 μg/L, 5.03 μg/L,6.02 μg/L and 4.91 μg/L respectively. The pro- duction of IFNγ in liver disease was significantly decreased,com- pared to control. In group 2 in which PBMCs were stimulated with PHA,the content of IFNγ was 22.71,17.12,14.54 and 17.63 μg/L respectively. In group 3 in which PBMCs were in- duced by IL-2,the amount of IFN7 in supernatant from control (60.67 μg/L) was much larger than those from CAH (21.70 μg/ L),CPH (24.00 μg/L) and HCC (19.15 μg/L) (P<0.01). Comparing the amount of IFNγ in group 3 (IL-2-induced) with that in group 1 (non-induced),we found that IFNγ production was en- hanced by nearly 4 folds in liver diseases and by over 7 folds in control,Whereas the number of PBMCs,whether from liver dis- eases or from control,was increased by only approximately 3 folds. CONCLUSIONS The decreased production of IFNγ in liver dis- eases including HCC is mainly due to endogenous defects of lym- phocytes though the defects of stimulating cofactors such as IL-2 may also be involved.

Cloning and Sequence Analysis of Interferon γ-2β Full-length cDNA in Cyprinus carpio L.

[Objective] The research aimed to carry out the cloning, identification and sequence analysis of full-length cDNA of carp interferon γ-2β （IFNγ-2β）. [Method] The cDNA library of peripheral blood leucocytes which were separated from carp and stimulated with mitogen was screened by a probe labeled with DIG. The IFNγ- 2β EST sequence was picked out from the constructed cDNA library of peripheral blood leucocyte, and the full length of carp interferon γ-2β was cloned. In addition, the sequence analysis was carried out. [Result] Three positive clones were obtained. Sequence analysis indicated that the sequence had a 119 bp 5’-UTR and a 218 bp 3’-UTR, and the open reading frame （ORF）of this gene was 537 bp which putatively coded 178 amino acids and there were several instable motifs for mRNA （ATTTA） in the 3’-untranslated region. Its homology with IFN from GenBank was up to 97% . Analysis on protein sequence and structure showed that the predicted protein sequence was identified as an IFN family signature. [Conclusion] The research laid the foundation for further studying the expression manner, function characteristic and regulation mechanism of IFNγ-2β in vivo and the action mechanism in the inflammatory reaction, emergency reaction and immune response.

Context-dependent role of sirtuin 2 in inflammation

Sirtuin 2 is a member of the sirtuin family nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NAD~+)-dependent deacetylases, known for its regulatory role in different processes, including inflammation. In this context, sirtuin 2 has been involved in the modulation of key inflammatory signaling pathways and transcription factors by deacetylating specific targets, such as nuclear factor κB and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-leucine-rich-repeat and pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3). However, whether sirtuin 2-mediated pathways induce a pro-or an anti-inflammatory response remains controversial. Sirtuin 2 has been implicated in promoting inflammation in conditions such as asthma and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that its inhibition in these conditions could be a potential therapeutic strategy. Conversely, arthritis and type 2 diabetes mellitus studies suggest that sirtuin 2 is essential at the peripheral level and, thus, its inhibition in these pathologies would not be recommended. Overall, the precise role of sirtuin 2 in inflammation appears to be context-dependent, and further investigation is needed to determine the specific molecular mechanisms and downstream targets through which sirtuin 2 influences inflammatory processes in various tissues and pathological conditions. The present review explores the involvement of sirtuin 2 in the inflammation associated with different pathologies to elucidate whether its pharmacological modulation could serve as an effective strategy for treating this prevalent symptom across various diseases.

Effects of γ interferon on hepatic fibrosis of schistosoma japonicum infected mice *

AIM To probe the effect of γ IFN on hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis japonica.

Combination of "low-dose" ribavirin and interferon alfa-2a therapy followed by interferon alfa-2a monotherapy in chronic HCV-infected nonresponders and relapsers after interferon alfa-2a monotherapy

AIM To report on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of interferon alfa-2a combined with a "low dose" of ribavirin for relapsers and non responders to alpha interferon monotherapy.METHODS Thirty-four chronic hepatitis C virus-infected non-responders to interferon alfa2a monotherapy (a course of at least 3 months treatment) and 13 relapsers to interferon alfa 2a monotherapy (a dose of 3 to 6 million units three times per week for at least 20 weeks but not more than 18 months) were treated with the same dose of interferon alfa-2a used before (3 to 6 million units three times per week) and ribavirin (10 mg/ kg daily) for 6 months. In complete responders, interferon alfa-2a was administered for further 6 months at the same dose used before as monotherapy.RESULTS Seven (20.6%) of 34 non-responders stopped the combined therapy due to adverse events, including two patients with histological and clinical Child A cirrhosis. In 17/27 (63%)non-responders, the combined therapy was stopped after three months because of non-response. Ten of the 27 non-responders completed the 1;2-month treatment course. At a mean follow up of 28 months (16- 37 months)after the treatment, 4/10 (15%) previous non-responders still remained complete responders,All 13 previous relapsers completed the 12-month treatment course. At a mean follow up of 22months (9 - 36 months) after treatment, 6/13(46%) the previous relapsers were stillsustained complete responders.CONCLUSION Our treatment schedule of the combined therapy for 6 months of interferon alfa2a with a low dose of ribavirin (10 mg/kg/day)followed by 6 months of interferon alfa-2amonotherapy is able to induce a sustainedcomplete response rate in 15% of non-responders and 46% of relapsers with chronic hepatitis C virus-related liver diseases comparable to those obtained with the standarddoses of ribavirin 1000 - 1200 mg/day.Randomized prospective controlled trials using lower total amounts of ribavirin in combination with interferon should be performed.

Interferon therapy in hepatitis Cleading to chronic type 1 diabetes

AIM: To review the prevalence,clinical data and course of interferon-associated type 1 diabetes in chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection.METHODS: Search of all interferon(INF)-related type 1diabetes mellitus(T1DM) cases published in the English literature from 1992 to December 2013 according to the key words: chronic hepatitis C infection,diabetes mellitus type 1,insulin dependent diabetes mellitus,and interferon treatment.We found 107 cases and analyzed their clinical and laboratory data and long-term followup.Due to the predominance of cases described in Japanese literature,we analyzed separately cases of Caucasian and Japanese origin.In addition we describe a representative case with HCV who developed INFrelated T1 DM.RESULTS: Our data show that INF treatment increases the risk of developing T1 DM by 10-18 fold compared with the corresponding general population and the median age of onset was 43 years(range: 24-66 years) in Caucasians and 52 years(range: 45-63 years) in Japanese.Most patients developed T1 DM during INF treatment,after a median time-period of 4.2 and 5.7 mo in Caucasian and Japanese groups,respectively.The clinical course was characterized by a fulminant course with abrupt severe hyperglycemia or ketoacidosis,a high titer of anti-islet autoantibodies and almost all patients(105/107) permanently required insulin therapy with a follow-up of up to 4 years.A substantial number of patients had evidence for other autoimmune disorders mainly thyroid diseases(25% and 31% in Caucasian and Japanese groups,respectively).CONCLUSION: INF-associated T1 DM in HCV has a fulminant course,often associated with other autoimmune diseases,and results almost inevitably in permanent insulin therapy requirement.

Control of hepatitis B virus replication by interferons and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major causes of liver diseases, affecting more than 350 million people worldwide. The interferon (IFN)-mediated innate immune responses could restrict HBV replication at the different steps of viral life cycle. Indeed, IFN-&#x003b1; has been successfully used for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B. However, the role of the innate immune response in HBV replication and the mechanism of the anti-HBV effect of IFN-&#x003b1; are not completely explored. In this review, we summarized the currently available knowledge about the IFN-mediated anti-HBV effect in the HBV life cycle and the possible effectors downstream the IFN signaling pathway. The antiviral effect of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in HBV replication is briefly discussed. The strategies exploited by HBV to evade the IFN- and TLR-mediated antiviral actions are summarized.

Pegylated interferon α-2b up-regulates specific CD8+ T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B

AIM:To investigate the effect of pegylated interferon (IFN) α-2b on specific CD8+ T lymphocytes in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS:Twenty-one patients with CHB were treated with pegylated IFN α-2b. Periphery blood mononuclear cells were isolated from fresh heparinized blood by Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation (density:1.077 g/L,Pharmingen) at weeks 0,4,8,12,and 24,respectively. Frequency of circulating hepatitis B virus (HBV) epitope-specific CD8 T cells was detected by flow cytometry. Cytokines were detected by cytometric bead assay. RESULTS:The frequency of circulating HBV core or env-specific CD8 T cells was higher (P < 0.05),the number of HBV core specific CD8 T cells was greater at week 24 (P < 0.05),the level of Th1-type cytokines [interleukin (IL)-12,tumor necrosis factor-α,and IFN-γ] was higher,while that of Th2-type cytokines (IL-4,IL-6,and IL-10) was lower in responders than in nonresponders (P < 0.05) after pegylated IFN α-2b treatment. The IL-6 level was correlated with HBV DNA (r = 0.597,P = 0.04),while the inducible protein-10 (IP-10) level was correlated with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r = 0.545,P = 0.005). The IP-10 level at week 8 after pegylated IFN α-2b treatment could predict the normalization of ALT in CHB patients (positive predict value = 56%,negative predict value = 92%). CONCLUSION:Pegylated IFN α-2b can enhance the immune response of CHB patients by increasing the frequency of HBV specific CD8+ T cells and regulating the Th1/Th2 cytokines.

Construction of retroviral vectors to induce a strong expression of human class Ⅰ interferon gene in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro

AIM To establish the hepatoma cell specific expression of human interferon gene mediated by retroviral vectors. METHODS Human interferon α and interforon β complementary DNA (IFNs cDNA) were cloned into polylinker site of pMNSM retroviral vector to construct recombinant retroviral vector pMNSIFNA and pMNSIFNB, where the transcription of IFN gene was driven by SV40 early region promoter, and pMNAIFNA, pAMNSIFNA and pMNAIFNB, where the transcription of IFN gene was driven by SV40 early region promoter regulated by α fetoprotein enhancer. The retroviral constructs were respectively introduced into retroviral amphotropic packaging cells by means of lipofectamine mediated gene transfer procedure. The plasmids transfection rate was (4～40)×10 3 colonies/μg DNA/10 6 PA317 cells. The retrovirus infection rate was (5～500)×10 4 colony forming units (CFU)/ml. The recombinant retroviruses were used to infect human hepatoma cells, renal carcinoma cells and melanoma cell lines in the presence of 4mg/L polybrene. RESULTS Northern and Dot hybridization of total RNA from the neomycin resistant colonies and interferon expression assay indicated that human α fetoprotein enhancer induced efficient and apecific transcription and expression of IFNs gene driven by the promoter of different origin in human hepatoma cells by which α fetoprotein was highly produced. CONCLUSION Cis active element of α fetoprotein gene can drive specific expression of IFNs gene in human hepatoma cells, which provides some valuable data for the hepatoma specific immune gene therapy.