• BMB Reports
• /
• v.35 no.6
• /
• pp.583-589
• /
• 2002

The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 is a cytoplasmic-transcription factor that is phosphorylated by Janus kinases (Jak) in response to interferon $\gamma$ (IFN-$\gamma$). The phosphorylated STAT1 translocates to the nucleus, where it turns on specific sets of IFN-$\gamma$-inducible genes, such as the interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-1. We show here that gamma irradiation reduces the IFN-$\gamma$ mRNA expression. The inhibition of the STAT1 phosphorylation and the IRF-1 expression by gamma irradiation was also observed. In contrast, the mRNA levels of IL-5 and transcription factor GATA-3 were slightly induced by gamma irradiation when compared to the non-irradiated sample. Furthermore, we detected the inhibition of cell-mediated immunity by gamma irradiation in the allogenic-mixed lymphocytes' reaction (MLR). These results postulate that gamma irradiation induces the polarized-Th2 response and interferes with STAT1 signals, thereby causing the immunosuppression of the Th1 response.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Poultry Science Conference
• /
• 1999.11a
• /
• pp.34-50
• /
• 1999

A cDNA encoding chicken interferon-gamma (chIFN-${\gamma}$) was amplified from P34, a CD4$^{+}$ T-cell hybridoma by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and cloned into pUC18. THe sequences of cloned PCR products were determined to confirm the correct cloning. Using this cDNA as probe, chicken genomic library from White Leghorn spleen was screened. Phage clones harboring chicken interferon-gamma (chIFN-${\gamma}$) were isolated and their genomic structure elucidated. The chIFN-${\gamma}$ contains 4 exons and 3 introns spanning over 14 kb, and follows the GT/AG rule for correct splicing at the exon/intron boundaries. The four exons encode 41, 26, 57 and 40 amino acids, respectively, suggesting that the overall structure of IFN-${\gamma}$ is evolutionairly conserved in mammalian and avian species. The 5’-untranslated region and signal sequences are located in exon 1. Several AT-rich sequences located in the fourth exon may indicate a role in mRNA turnover. The 5’-flanking region contains sequences homologous to the potential binding sites for the mammalian transcription factors, activator protein-1(AP-1) activator protein-2(AP-2) cAMP-response element binding protein(CREB), activating transcription factor(ATF), GATA-binding fator(GATA), upstream stimulating factor(USF), This suggests that the mechanisms underlying transcriptional regulation of chicken and mammalian IFN-${\gamma}$ genes may be similar.r.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.63 no.2
• /
• pp.52-55
• /
• 2020

Background: Immunomodulatory properties of interferon (IFN) have been documented. It may induce autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune thyroiditis with hypo- or hyperthyroidism. In addition, it may impair thyroid hormone synthesis through affecting iodide organification in thyroid gland. Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe thyroid function tests disturbances in children with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) receiving pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG IFN-α) plus ribavirin. Methods: Fifty children with CHC virus infection who received combined pegylated interferon-alpha with ribavirin were selected. Other 50 apparently healthy children of matched age and sex (considered as control group) were selected. All children (100) were subject to liver function tests, virological studies, and follow-up of thyroid function test during and after the treatment course. Results: Our study showed that 28% of children received combined PEG IFN-α plus ribavirin showed subclinical hypothyroidism. After 24 weeks treatment with combined therapy of IFN plus ribavirin, the mean level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was 3.23±88 mU/mL, while TSH was 1.16±0.77 mU/mL before starting treatment. On the other hand, mean TSH was 1.09±0.92 mU/mL in normal control group. Conclusion: This study revealed an association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and treatment with IFN-alpha and ribavirin in children. Further studies on larger number of patients and longer follow-up duration are recommended for further confirmation.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.285-287
• /
• 1999

Changes in the expression level of splenocyte $IFN-{\gamma}$mRNA of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats infected with Paragonimus westermani were analyzed by competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by southern blot. The template RNA was extracted from the splenocytes of rats infected with 20 metacercariae of P. westermani. The products of competitive RT-PCR were subjected to southern blot and enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL), and analyzed with a densitometer. In comparison with that of uninfected control rat splenocytes (value of 1), the levels of mRNA expression of $IFN-{\gamma}$had changed to 0.747 at 1 week post infection (PI), 0.00175 at 2 week PI, 0.0217 at 3 week PI, 0.194 at 4 week PI and then to 0.537 at 5 week PI. The level at 7 week PI had returned to 1.25, comparable with that of uninfected rats. These results show that, when infected with p. westermani, the levels of $IFN-{\gamma}$ mRNA of SD rat splenocytes were remarkably reduced by more than 500 times at 2 week PI and restored to normal level at 7 week PI.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.89-100
• /
• 2006

Objectives : The effects of methanol extracts from the cortex of Quercus dentata Thunb. and Quercus acutissima Carruth, on the activation of macrophage were examined. Methods : Methanol extracts of Quercus dentata (QD) and Quercus acutissima (QA) were applied to cell line RAW264,7 (macrophage), and their effects were examined. Results : 1. Extracts from QD and QA had no specific influence on the cell growth. 2. Extracts from QD and QA did not activate macrophage independently, but the addition of $IFN-{\gamma}$ facilitated the generation of macrophage's nitric oxide(NO). 3. QD and QA extracts increased the manifestation of iNOS gene, when macrophage was activated by $IFN-{\gamma}$. 4. QD and QA extracts increased the manifestation of $TNF-{\alpha}$ in macrophage, which took 2 hours. 5. QD and QA extracts increased the generation of $PGE_2$ in macrophage. Conclusion : QD and QA activate macrophage in the presence of $IFN-{\gamma}$. After activation is primarily facilated by $IFN-{\gamma}$, it works on macrophage secondarily for the manifestation of iNOS gene and for the generation of $TNF-{\alpha}$.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.118-123
• /
• 1986

Time-concentration curves of recombinant human interferon alpha$(rIFN-{\alpha}A)$ in the skin and serum of nude mice or rats were studied after topical application of IFN ointment. IFN appeared in the skin and serum in less than 30 minutes and lasted for more than 10-12 hours at high concentration level after the application to nude mice at a dose of $9.0{\times}10^5\;IU/g$ mouse. But in the rats, IFN was not detected in the serum even 7 hours after the application at a dose of $6.0{\times}10^5\;IU/g$ rat. Topical application of IFN might be useful for the topical and systemic treatment if the human skin resembles that of nude mouse in respect to transport characteristics.

• Journal of fish pathology
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.273-280
• /
• 2010

To determine whether rock bream Oplegnathus fasciatus can be protected from rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) infection by intramuscular injection of long double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), we compared protective effect of virus-specific dsRNAs corresponding to major capsid protein (MCP), ORF 084, ORF 086 genes, and virus non-specific green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene. Furthermore, to determine whether the non-specific type I interferon (IFN) response was associated with protective effect, we estimated the activation of type I IFN response in fish using expression level of IFN inducible Mx gene as a marker. As a result, mortality of fish injected with dsRNAs and challenged with RBIV was delayed for a few days when comparing with PBS injected control group. However, virus-specific dsRNA injected groups exhibited no significant differences in survival period when compared to the GFP dsRNA injected group. Semi-quantitative analysis indicated that the degree of antiviral response via type I IFN response is supposedly equal among dsRNA injected fish. These results suggest that type I IFN response rather than sequence-specific RNA interference might involve in the lengthened survival period of fish injected with virus-specific dsRNAs.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.130-136
• /
• 1999

Mouse guanylate-binding protein 3 (mGBP3) is a 71-kDa GTPase which belongs to GTP-binding protein family. The present study showed that the expression of mGBP3 transcript was readily induced in a dose dependent fashion in the macrophage cell line RAW264.7 treated with either $interferon-{\gamma} (IFN-\gamma)$ or lipopolysaccaride (LPS). The expression of mGBP3 protein was also apparent by 4 and 6 h after the treatment of cells with IFN-\gamma (100 U/ml) or LPS ($1{\mu}g/ml$) , and remained at palteau for at least 24 h. Cycloheximide ($10{\mu}g/ml$) had no effect on the $IFN-\gamma-$ or LPS-induced mGBP3 expression, suggesting that the mGBP3 induction did not require further protein synthesis. Interestingly, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor staurosporine (50 nM) abolished the induction of mGBP3 expression by LPS, but not by $IFN-{\gamma}$. These findings suggest that mGBP3 may be involved in the macrophage activation process and both IFN-\gamma and LS induce the mGBP3 expression through distinct signal transduction pathways.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.27 no.10
• /
• pp.1727-1735
• /
• 2017

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections cause epidemic or sporadic acute hepatitis, which are mostly self-limiting. However, viral infection in immunocompromised patients and pregnant women may result in serious consequences, such as chronic hepatitis and liver damage, mortality of the latter of which reaches up to 20-30%. Type I interferon (IFN)-induced antiviral immunity is known to be the first-line defense against virus infection. Upon HEV infection in the cell, the virus genome is recognized by pathogen recognition receptors, leading to rapid activation of intracellular signaling cascades. Expression of type I IFN triggers induction of a barrage of IFN-stimulated genes, helping the cells cope with viral infection. Interestingly, some of the HEV-encoded genes seem to be involved in disrupting signaling cascades for antiviral immune responses, and thus crippling cytokine/chemokine production. Antagonistic mechanisms of type I IFN responses by HEV have only recently begun to emerge, and in this review, we summarize known HEV evasion strategies and compare them with those of other hepatitis viruses.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.65-72
• /
• 1987

A teratogenic study was carried out on New zealand White rabbits in order to examine the teratogenic potentiality of the recombinant human interferon-${\alpha}$A(rHuIFN-${\alpha}A$), an available therapeutic agent. The rHuIFN-${\alpha}A$ was intravenously administered at dose sevels of $1{\times}10^5$, $4{\times}10^5$ and $1.2{\times}10^6$ I.U/kg/day for a period of13 days from day 6 to day 18 of gestation. Two-thirds of the pregnant females in each group were sacrificed on day 29 of gestation and their fetuses were examined. The remaining dams were allowed to litter naturally, and the postnatal develpment of the offsprings was observed. The administration of rHuIFN-${\alpha}A$ during a period of organogenesis produced no embryotoxic and teratogenic effects.