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Interferon-gamma differentially regulates monocyte matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -9 through tumor necrosis

Min Zhou1, Yahong Zhang, Jeanette A Ardans

  • 1Immunopathology Section, NIDCR, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.

Insights

Interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) combined with other factors differentially regulates monocyte matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). IFNgamma induces MMP-1 via TNFalpha and caspase 8, while inhibiting MMP-9 through a caspase 8-dependent pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) individually enhance monocyte matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) but induce MMP-1 only when combined.
  • Interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) is present at inflammatory sites, necessitating an understanding of its role in monocyte MMP regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of IFNgamma on monocyte MMP-1 and MMP-9 production, both alone and in combination with TNFalpha and GM-CSF.
  • To elucidate the signaling pathways involved in IFNgamma-mediated regulation of monocyte MMPs.

Main Methods:

  • Monocyte cultures were treated with combinations of TNFalpha, GM-CSF, and IFNgamma.
  • Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels were assessed.
  • Involvement of p38 and ERK1/2 MAPKs, TNFalpha, TNF receptors, and caspase 8 pathways were investigated using specific inhibitors and neutralizing antibodies.
  • STAT1 phosphorylation was analyzed.

Main Results:

  • IFNgamma alone did not affect monocyte MMP-1 or MMP-9.
  • IFNgamma, in the presence of GM-CSF, induced MMP-1 and enhanced GM-CSF/TNFalpha-induced MMP-1 via TNFalpha stimulation, involving p38 and ERK1/2 MAPKs.
  • IFNgamma inhibited TNFalpha-induced MMP-9 through a caspase 8-dependent pathway, which also affected STAT1 phosphorylation and p38 MAPK activity.
  • Caspase 8 activation by IFNgamma did not lead to increased apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • IFNgamma differentially regulates monocyte MMPs in the presence of GM-CSF and/or TNFalpha.
  • IFNgamma induces MMP-1 through TNFalpha stimulation and a novel caspase 8-dependent mechanism.
  • IFNgamma inhibits MMP-9 via a caspase 8-dependent pathway that impacts STAT1 phosphorylation and p38 MAPK, independent of apoptosis.

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