IFN-γ: A cytokine at the right time, is in the right place

Semin Immunol. 2019 Jun:43:101280. doi: 10.1016/j.smim.2019.05.002. Epub 2019 Jun 17.

Abstract

Interferon gamma has long been studied as a critical mediator of tumor immunity. In recent years, the complexity of cellular interactions that take place in the tumor microenvironment has become better appreciated in the context of immunotherapy. While checkpoint inhibitors have dramatically improved remission rates in cancer treatment, IFN-γ and related effectors continue to be identified as strong predictors of treatment success. In this review, we provide an overview of the multiple immunosuppressive barriers that IFN-γ has to overcome to eliminate tumors, and potential avenues for modulating the immune response in favor of tumor rejection.

Keywords: IL-12; Immunosuppression; Immunotherapy; Interferon gamma; Tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers, Pharmacological / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Immunization
  • Immunotherapy / trends*
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Biomarkers, Pharmacological
  • Interferon-gamma