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Human myeloma cell apoptosis induced by interferon-alpha
T Otsuki1, O Yamada, H Sakaguchi
1Department of Hygiene, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan.
British Journal of Haematology
|November 25, 1998
Summary
Interferon alpha (IFN alpha) induces myeloma cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, but not via the Fas/Fas ligand pathway. Specific genes like IL-6 and IRF1 are upregulated, suggesting their role in IFN alpha-induced apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Clinical effectiveness of Interferon alpha (IFN alpha) in myeloma treatment is reported, yet its biological impact on myeloma cells remains unclear.
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is crucial for eliminating malignant tumor cells, with the Fas/Fas ligand system implicated in immune-mediated tumor cell apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of IFN alpha-induced apoptosis in human myeloma cell lines.
- To analyze the expression of apoptosis-related genes in response to IFN alpha treatment.
Main Methods:
- Five human myeloma cell lines were used to assess IFN alpha-induced apoptosis.
- Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to analyze mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes in the KMS-12-PE cell line.
Main Results:
- IFN alpha induced myeloma cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, with varying sensitivity across cell lines; one cell line exhibited growth stimulation.
- Apoptosis induced by IFN alpha was not mediated through the Fas/Fas ligand pathway.
- Upregulation of IL-6, IL-6R, IRF1, and IRF2 genes was observed in KMS-12-PE cells treated with IFN alpha.
Conclusions:
- IFN alpha can induce apoptosis in human myeloma cells, but the response varies.
- The Fas/Fas ligand pathway is not the primary mediator of IFN alpha-induced apoptosis in these cells.
- Upregulated genes including IL-6, IL-6R, IRF1, and IRF2 may play significant roles in IFN alpha-mediated apoptosis.