# Roles of IFN-γ in tumor progression and regression: a review

Review · Dragica Jorgovanović, Mengjia Song, Liping Wang, Yi Zhang

- Archive id: doi:10.1186/s40364-020-00228-x
- Published: 2020-09-29
- Venue: Biomarker Research
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40364-020-00228-x
- PMID: 33005420
- Citations: 1,233
- Source URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40364-020-00228-x
- PDF: https://biomarkerres.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s40364-020-00228-x
- Provenance: openalex

## Abstract

BACKGROUND: Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) plays a key role in activation of cellular immunity and subsequently, stimulation of antitumor immune-response. Based on its cytostatic, pro-apoptotic and antiproliferative functions, IFN-γ is considered potentially useful for adjuvant immunotherapy for different types of cancer. Moreover, it IFN-γ may inhibit angiogenesis in tumor tissue, induce regulatory T-cell apoptosis, and/or stimulate the activity of M1 proinflammatory macrophages to overcome tumor progression. However, the current understanding of the roles of IFN-γ in the tumor microenvironment (TME) may be misleading in terms of its clinical application. MAIN BODY: Some researchers believe it has anti-tumorigenic properties, while others suggest that it contributes to tumor growth and progression. In our recent work, we have shown that concentration of IFN-γ in the TME determines its function. Further, it was reported that tumors treated with low-dose IFN-γ acquired metastatic properties while those infused with high dose led to tumor regression. Pro-tumorigenic role may be described through IFN-γ signaling insensitivity, downregulation of major histocompatibility complexes, upregulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, and checkpoint inhibitors such as programmed cell death ligand 1. CONCLUSION: Significant research efforts are required to decipher IFN-γ-dependent pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects. This review discusses the current knowledge concerning the roles of IFN-γ in the TME as a part of the complex immune response to cancer and highlights the importance of identifying IFN-γ responsive patients to improve their sensitivity to immuno-therapies.

_Abstract reproduced under CC-BY (publisher license, via OpenAlex)._

Topics: [Cancer Immunotherapy](https://space-kitty.com/topics/cancer-immunotherapy)

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