Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ): Reviewing its mechanisms and signaling pathways on the regulation of endothelial barrier function

Chin Theng Ng; Lai Yen Fong; Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah

doi:10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156208

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ): Reviewing its mechanisms and signaling pathways on the regulation of endothelial barrier function

Cytokine. 2023 Jun:166:156208. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156208. Epub 2023 Apr 21.

Authors

Chin Theng Ng¹, Lai Yen Fong², Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah³

Affiliations

¹ Unit of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Bedong, 08100 Kedah, Malaysia. Electronic address: ngchintheng@aimst.edu.my.
² Department of Pre-clinical Sciences, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, 43000 Selangor, Malaysia.
³ Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia.

PMID: 37088004
DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156208

Abstract

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a critical role in mediating an array of immune responses including promotes antiviral activity, facilitates macrophage activation, controls Th1/Th2 balance, and regulates cellular apoptosis and proliferation. A few articles have previously reviewed the effects of IFN-γ in the regulation of barrier permeability, but none of these articles focuses on barrier function of endothelial cells. This review aims to discuss the regulatory mechanisms of IFN-γ on endothelial barrier function and its underlying signaling pathways. Articles were retrieved from electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords "Interferon-gamma", "endothelial cells", "barrier function", and "signaling pathway". The articles published between 2000 and 2022 that are related to the aforementioned topics were selected. A few journals published beyond this period were also included due to limited information available. The results showed that IFN-γ modulates endothelial barrier function, mainly involves small GTPases, STAT1-dependent pathway, p38 MAPK and nitric oxide. In conclusion, more in depth cellular and molecular studies are needed to elucidate the pathways of IFN-γ in the regulation of endothelial barrier function.

Keywords: Endothelial cells; Interferon-gamma; Pro inflammatory cytokines.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cytokines / metabolism
Endothelial Cells / metabolism
Interferon-gamma* / metabolism
Protein Binding
STAT1 Transcription Factor / metabolism
Signal Transduction*

Substances

Interferon-gamma
Cytokines
STAT1 Transcription Factor