PD-L1 induced by IFN-γ from tumor-associated macrophages via the JAK/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways promoted progression of lung cancer

Background Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is conventionally regarded as an inflammatory cytokine that has a pivotal role in anti-infection and tumor immune surveillance. It has been used clinically to treat a variety of malignancies. However, increased evidence has suggested IFN-gamma can act to induce tumor progression. The role of IFN-gamma in regulating antitumor immunity appears to be complex and paradoxical. The mechanism underlying the dual aspects of IFN-gamma function in antitumor immunity is not clear. Methods (1) Lung cancer cells (A549 cells) were cultured with pleural effusion or supernatant of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs supernatant), and the expression levels of PD-L1 were detected by flow cytometer. The invasion capacity was measured in vitro using trans-well migration assays. (2) Pleural effusion mononuclear cells (PEMC) were separated by Ficoll Hypaque gradient. The expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and INF-gamma in the tumor-associated macrophages was analyzed by flow cytometry. (3) A549 cells were stimulated with IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, or IFN-gamma and then the expression levels were detected by flow cytometry. (4) The expression levels of phospho-ERK (p-ERK), phospho-AKT (p-AKT), and phospho-Sat3 (p-Stat3) were analyzed with Western blot after stimulation with IFN-gamma. (5) Cotreatment of the A549 cells with MAPK/ERK-specific inhibitor PD98059, PI3K/AKT-specific inhibitor LY294002, or JAK/STAT3-specific inhibitor AG490, respectively, blocked IFN-gamma-induced PD-L1 expression, and then PD-L1 expression was detected by flow cytometry. Results We demonstrated that TAMs could induce the expression of PD-L1 by the secretion of IFN-gamma through the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) signaling pathway and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway in A549 cells. Furthermore, the signal pathway blockers LY294002 or AG490 could block the induced expression of PD-L1 by IFN-gamma. Conclusions IFN-gamma was not always successful as an antitumor agent. It also can promote tumor cells to evade immune surveillance. Researchers should be cautious in using IFN-gamma as a therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.