Interferons (IFNs) belong to a large family of cytokines that were originally identified for their antiviral activities. They are now well-recognized for variety of cellular effects via immune regulation. There are three major types of IFNs, type I, II and III. Type I IFNs can be produced by most cell types in the body in response to a wide range of stimuli. However, the expression and action of type II and type III IFNs are more restricted than those of type I IFNs. IFNs can be expressed on both immune cells and tumor cells. It is important to understand the production of IFNs because they can regulate tumorigenesis by either acting directly on tumor cells or indirectly on tumors via immune cells. The interaction between IFNs, tumor cells and immune cells provide the key to response to cancer therapy. Binding of all IFNs to their cognate receptors results in activation of the JAK/STAT pathway through phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2 and activation of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) that modulate innate and adaptive immune responses, antiviral, and antitumor immunity. ISGs are widely expressed in human cancers and can predict the response to cancer therapy, which can be favorable or unfavorable. IFNs have been used in the clinic to treat a variety of diseases including cancer. IFNs have been used in combination with other therapies, including cytotoxic drugs, hormones, radiotherapy and other immunostimulatory compounds. Immune-stimulating therapies with IFNs, could act synergistically to decrease immunosuppression and increase the efficacy of anti-tumor response. Therapy with IFN or IFN inducers can be effective by minimizing systemic toxicity in predetermined, responsive patients.
This special issue is expanding the current knowledge on mechanisms of anti-tumor actions of IFNs and their role in immunotherapy of cancers. Experimental studies in in vivo models, review articles and clinical studies as well are all welcome for publication. We welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Clinical Trial, Opinion, and Perspective articles, covering, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:
- IFNs and regulation of cancer.
- IFNs and immune suppression in cancer.
- IFNs and immunotherapy of cancer.
- Adverse effects of IFNs in cancer.
Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases which are not accompanied by robust and relevant validation (clinical cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of scope for this topic.
Interferons (IFNs) belong to a large family of cytokines that were originally identified for their antiviral activities. They are now well-recognized for variety of cellular effects via immune regulation. There are three major types of IFNs, type I, II and III. Type I IFNs can be produced by most cell types in the body in response to a wide range of stimuli. However, the expression and action of type II and type III IFNs are more restricted than those of type I IFNs. IFNs can be expressed on both immune cells and tumor cells. It is important to understand the production of IFNs because they can regulate tumorigenesis by either acting directly on tumor cells or indirectly on tumors via immune cells. The interaction between IFNs, tumor cells and immune cells provide the key to response to cancer therapy. Binding of all IFNs to their cognate receptors results in activation of the JAK/STAT pathway through phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2 and activation of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) that modulate innate and adaptive immune responses, antiviral, and antitumor immunity. ISGs are widely expressed in human cancers and can predict the response to cancer therapy, which can be favorable or unfavorable. IFNs have been used in the clinic to treat a variety of diseases including cancer. IFNs have been used in combination with other therapies, including cytotoxic drugs, hormones, radiotherapy and other immunostimulatory compounds. Immune-stimulating therapies with IFNs, could act synergistically to decrease immunosuppression and increase the efficacy of anti-tumor response. Therapy with IFN or IFN inducers can be effective by minimizing systemic toxicity in predetermined, responsive patients.
This special issue is expanding the current knowledge on mechanisms of anti-tumor actions of IFNs and their role in immunotherapy of cancers. Experimental studies in in vivo models, review articles and clinical studies as well are all welcome for publication. We welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Clinical Trial, Opinion, and Perspective articles, covering, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:
- IFNs and regulation of cancer.
- IFNs and immune suppression in cancer.
- IFNs and immunotherapy of cancer.
- Adverse effects of IFNs in cancer.
Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases which are not accompanied by robust and relevant validation (clinical cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of scope for this topic.
