Interferon-gamma increases IL-6 production in human glioblastoma cell lines.
BACKGROUND
Various immunotherapeutical approaches are presently evaluated for their efficacy to eradicate glioma cells. Complicating the concepts, these tumors secrete cytokines which modulate the immune response.


METHODS
We analyzed the influence of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) on the cytokine production and IFN-gamma receptor expression in T98G and U87-MG human glioma cells.


RESULTS
The IFN-gamma receptors were own-regulated after IFN-gamma treatment. Secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) protein was elevated by factors of 6.4 in T98G cells and 5.2 in U87-MG. Other cytokines were increased as well, but less constantly: IL-8, and VEGF were elevated significantly only in T98G, but not in U87-MG. Increases of IL-1 beta, IL-1 alpha and TGF beta-2 were only detectable at the mRNA level. TNF was not detectable in any of the cell lines, and TGF-beta, alpha FGF and HG were not influenced by IFN-gamma.


CONCLUSIONS
IL-6 produced by glioma cells in response to IFN-gamma might support immune eradication of glioma cells.
Hotfilder
M
M
University Münster, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Domagkstr. 3, Münster, Germany.
Knupfer
H
H
Mohlenkamp
G
G
Pennekamp
P
P
Knupfers
M
M
Van Gool
S
S
Wolff
J E
JE
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D016220:Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 / Q000378:metabolism; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007372:Interferons / Q000378:metabolism; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007378:Interleukins / Q000378:metabolism; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000378:metabolism; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D017471:Receptors, Interferon / Q000378:metabolism*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D000096743:Interferon gamma Receptor
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D016220:Fibroblast Growth Factor 1; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D007372:Interferons; D015850:Interleukin-6; D007378:Interleukins; D008222:Lymphokines; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D017471:Receptors, Interferon; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D000096743:Interferon gamma Receptor