Biological Functions of Interferon β-1a Are Enhanced By Deamidation

J Interferon Cytokine Res. 2016 Sep;36(9):534-41. doi: 10.1089/jir.2016.0025. Epub 2016 Jun 27.

Abstract

Human type I Interferons (IFN-β, IFN-ɛ, IFN-κ, IFN-ω, and 12 subtypes of IFN-α) are a family of pleiotropic cytokines with antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory activities. They signal through the same cell surface receptors, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2, yet evoking markedly differential potency. One differentiating factor of IFN-β from other type I interferons is the presence of a consensus sequence (NG) for deamidation. Comparing almost completely deamidated IFN-β-1a with untreated IFN-β-1a, this present study reports the increased activities in 3 in-vitro bioassays testing the antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory properties, respectively, of the molecule. Deamidated IFN-β-1a has the potential to improve current therapies in multiple sclerosis, and its ability to potentiate the MHC-Class I expression suggests a clinical benefit in diseases where the downmodulation of the MHC-class I expression plays a role (eg, in immuno-oncology combination therapies or antiviral agents). The present study on IFN-β deamidation adds a new prospective on deamidation as part of a posttranslational modification code that allows the modulation of the biological properties of proteins. Moreover, it underlines the unique IFN-β-1a properties that differentiate this molecule from other members of the type I interferon family.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / metabolism
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents / metabolism
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • CHO Cells
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Cricetulus
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / chemistry
  • Immunologic Factors / metabolism
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology
  • Interferon beta-1a / chemistry
  • Interferon beta-1a / metabolism*
  • Interferon beta-1a / pharmacology*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Protein Denaturation
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Interferon beta-1a