The synergistic interaction between the calcineurin B subunit and IFN-γ enhances macrophage antitumor activity

Cell Death Dis. 2015 May 7;6(5):e1740. doi: 10.1038/cddis.2015.92.

Abstract

Macrophages are involved in tumor growth and progression. They infiltrate into tumors and cause inflammation, which creates a microenvironment favoring tumor growth and metastasis. However, certain stimuli may induce macrophages to act as tumor terminators. Here we report that the calcineurin B subunit (CnB) synergizes with IFN-γ to make macrophages highly cytotoxic to cancer cells. Furthermore, CnB and IFN-γ act synergistically to polarize mouse tumor-associated macrophages, as well as human monocyte-derived macrophages to an M1-like phenotype. This synergy is mediated by the crosstalk between CnB-engaged integrin αM-p38 MAPK signaling and IFN-γ-initiated p38/PKC-δ/Jak2 signaling. Interestingly, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) is a key factor that orchestrates the synergy of CnB and IFN-γ, and the phosphorylation status at Ser727 and Tyr701 of STAT1 is directly regulated by CnB and IFN-γ.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD11b Antigen / metabolism
  • Calcineurin / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / pharmacology*
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / drug effects
  • Macrophages / drug effects*
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Phosphorylation / drug effects
  • RAW 264.7 Cells
  • Random Allocation
  • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • CD11b Antigen
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor
  • STAT1 protein, human
  • Interferon-gamma
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Calcineurin