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Apoptosis and cell growth inhibition as antitumor effector functions of interferons
1Research Laboratory of Radiumhemmet, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. olle.sangfelt@cck.ki.se
Abstract:
Since their introduction to the clinic some 30 yr ago, interferons (IFNs) have become standard therapy for a range of disorders, including malignant and benign tumors as well as various viral diseases. Although IFNs will induce remissions in some patients with cancer, they are of no benefit or, at best, lead only to minor improvements in the great majority of patients with malignant disease. One of the great challenges of IFN research is to understand the multiple ways by which IFNs influence the behavior of tumor cells and to identify the factors that underlie the resistance of some tumors to IFNs. This review is written with a focus on two anticellular effects of IFN, inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis, possible mechanisms underlying the antitumor action of IFN. In addition, possible reasons for IFN tumor cell resistance are also discussed.
Insights
Interferons (IFNs) show limited efficacy against most cancers. This review explores how IFNs affect tumor cells, focusing on proliferation inhibition and apoptosis, to understand their antitumor mechanisms and resistance factors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Interferons (IFNs) have been used clinically for 30 years to treat tumors and viral diseases.
- While IFNs induce remission in some cancer patients, their overall benefit for malignant diseases is limited.
- Understanding IFN mechanisms and tumor resistance is crucial for improving cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anticellular effects of interferons (IFNs) on tumor cells.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the antitumor actions of IFNs.
- To discuss factors contributing to tumor cell resistance to IFNs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on IFN's effects on tumor cell proliferation.
- Analysis of studies investigating IFN-induced apoptosis in cancer.
- Discussion of potential mechanisms of IFN resistance in tumors.
Main Results:
- IFNs exhibit anticellular effects, including inhibition of tumor cell proliferation.
- IFNs can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in tumor cells.
- Tumor cell resistance to IFNs is a significant challenge in cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- IFN's ability to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis are key antitumor mechanisms.
- Further research is needed to overcome IFN resistance in malignant diseases.
- Understanding these mechanisms can guide the development of more effective IFN-based therapies.