Interferon-lambda (IFN-λ) induces signal transduction and gene expression in human hepatocytes, but not in lymphocytes or monocytes.

ABSTRACT: This study compared the ability of IFN-α and IFN-λ to induce signal transduction and gene expression in primary human hepatocytes, PBLs, and monocytes. IFN-α drug products are widely used to treat chronic HCV infection; however, IFN-α therapy often induces hematologic toxicities as a result of the broad expression of IFNARs on many cell types, including most leukocytes. rIFN-λ1 is currently being tested as a potential alternative to IFN-α for treating chronic HCV. Although IFN-λ has been shown to be active on hepatoma cell lines, such as HepG2 and Huh-7, its ability to induce responses in primary human hepatocytes or leukocytes has not been examined. We found that IFN-λ induces activation of Jak/STAT signaling in mouse and human hepatocytes, and the ability of IFN-λ to induce STAT activati

SUBMITTER: Dickensheets H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3579021 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature