Ailin Elyasi1, Iryna Voloshyna1, Saba Ahmed1, Lora J Kasselman1, Jennifer Behbodikhah1, Joshua De Leon1, Allison B Reiss2. 1. Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, NYU Winthrop Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Suite 4-004, Mineola, NY, 11501, USA. 2. Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, NYU Winthrop Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Suite 4-004, Mineola, NY, 11501, USA. Allison.Reiss@NYULangone.org.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death, globally, and its prevalence is only expected to rise due to the increasing incidence of co-morbidities such as obesity and diabetes. Medical treatment of CVD is directed primarily at slowing or reversing the underlying atherosclerotic process by managing circulating lipids with an emphasis on control of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. However, over the past several decades, there has been increasing recognition that chronic inflammation and immune system activation are important contributors to atherosclerosis. This shift in focus has led to the elucidation of the complex interplay between cholesterol and cellular secretion of cytokines involved in CVD pathogenesis. Of the vast array of cytokine promoting atherosclerosis, interferon (IFN)-γ is highly implicated and, therefore, of great interest. METHODS: Literature review was performed to further understand the effect of IFN-γ on the development of atherosclerotic CVD. RESULTS: IFN-γ, the sole member of the type II IFN family, is produced by T cells and macrophages, and has been found to induce production of other cytokines and to have multiple effects on all stages of atherogenesis. IFN-γ activates a variety of signaling pathways, most commonly the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, to induce oxidative stress, promote foam cell accumulation, stimulate smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration into the arterial intima, enhance platelet-derived growth factor expression, and destabilize plaque. These are just a few of the contributions of IFN-γ to the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic CVD. CONCLUSION: Given the pivotal role of IFN-γ in the advancement of CVD, activation of its signaling pathways is being explored as a driver of atherosclerosis. Manipulation of this key cytokine may lead to novel therapeutic avenues for CVD prevention and treatment. A number of therapies are being explored with IFN-γ as the potential target.
PURPOSE:Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death, globally, and its prevalence is only expected to rise due to the increasing incidence of co-morbidities such as obesity and diabetes. Medical treatment of CVD is directed primarily at slowing or reversing the underlying atherosclerotic process by managing circulating lipids with an emphasis on control of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. However, over the past several decades, there has been increasing recognition that chronic inflammation and immune system activation are important contributors to atherosclerosis. This shift in focus has led to the elucidation of the complex interplay between cholesterol and cellular secretion of cytokines involved in CVD pathogenesis. Of the vast array of cytokine promoting atherosclerosis, interferon (IFN)-γ is highly implicated and, therefore, of great interest. METHODS: Literature review was performed to further understand the effect of IFN-γ on the development of atherosclerotic CVD. RESULTS: IFN-γ, the sole member of the type II IFN family, is produced by T cells and macrophages, and has been found to induce production of other cytokines and to have multiple effects on all stages of atherogenesis. IFN-γ activates a variety of signaling pathways, most commonly the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, to induce oxidative stress, promote foam cell accumulation, stimulate smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration into the arterial intima, enhance platelet-derived growth factor expression, and destabilize plaque. These are just a few of the contributions of IFN-γ to the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic CVD. CONCLUSION: Given the pivotal role of IFN-γ in the advancement of CVD, activation of its signaling pathways is being explored as a driver of atherosclerosis. Manipulation of this key cytokine may lead to novel therapeutic avenues for CVD prevention and treatment. A number of therapies are being explored with IFN-γ as the potential target.
Authors: Nikolaos A Diakos; Iosif Taleb; Christos P Kyriakopoulos; Kevin S Shah; Hadi Javan; Tyler J Richins; Michael Y Yin; Chi-Gang Yen; Elizabeth Dranow; Michael J Bonios; Rami Alharethi; Antigone G Koliopoulou; Mariam Taleb; James C Fang; Craig H Selzman; Konstantinos Stellos; Stavros G Drakos Journal: J Am Heart Assoc Date: 2021-10-01 Impact factor: 5.501
Authors: Moises A Huaman; Carlo N De Cecco; Marcio S Bittencourt; Eduardo Ticona; Cissy Kityo; Isabel Ballena; Sophie Nalukwago; Rashidah Nazzinda; Cesar Ticona; Ruben Azañero; Bin Zhang; Carey Farquhar; Thomas R Hawn; Timothy R Sterling; Carl J Fichtenbaum; Chris T Longenecker Journal: Clin Infect Dis Date: 2021-11-02 Impact factor: 9.079