In the absence of IGF-1 signaling, IFN-gamma suppresses human malignant T-cell growth

Blood. 2007 Mar 15;109(6):2496-504. doi: 10.1182/blood-2006-07-034231. Epub 2006 Dec 5.

Abstract

Several approaches to target insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling have resulted in the inhibition of the growth of a broad range of tumor cells. Malignant T cells are insensitive to the antiproliferative effects of the interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) pathway because of the IGF-1-dependent internalization of the IFN-gammaR2 signaling chain. Here we show that human malignant T cells are also resistant to the growth inhibitory effect of both the IGF-1 receptor-specific inhibitor picropodophyllin (PPP) and retrovirus-mediated gene transfer of a dominant negative IGF-1 receptor. However, blockade of IGF-1 receptor perturbs IFN-gammaR2 internalization and induces its cell surface accumulation in malignant T cells. This allows the reinstatement of the IFN-gamma-induced STAT1 activation, a high expression of proapoptotic molecules, and the suppression of malignant T-cell growth both in vitro and in vivo in a severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse model. These data indicate that the inhibition of IGF-1 signaling combined with IFN-gamma administration could be a promising approach to suppress the growth of neoplastic T cells resistant to each treatment on its own.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Down-Regulation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / pharmacology*
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism*
  • Leukemia, T-Cell / metabolism*
  • Leukemia, T-Cell / pathology*
  • Mice
  • Podophyllotoxin / analogs & derivatives
  • Podophyllotoxin / pharmacology
  • Receptor, IGF Type 1 / genetics
  • Receptor, IGF Type 1 / metabolism
  • Receptors, Interferon / metabolism
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*

Substances

  • Receptors, Interferon
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor
  • interferon receptor, type II
  • picropodophyllin
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Receptor, IGF Type 1
  • Podophyllotoxin