Interferon-gamma increases IL-6 production in human glioblastoma cell lines

Background: Various immunotherapeutical approaches are presently evaluated for their efficacy to eradicate glioma cells. Complicating the concepts, th ese tumors secrete cytokines which modulate the immune response. Materials & Methods: We analyzed the influence of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) on the cytokine production and IFN-gamma receptor expression in T98G and U87-MG h uman glioma cells. Results: The IFN-gamma receptors were own-regulated afte r IFN-gamma treatment. Secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) protein was elevat ed by factors of 6.4 in T98G cells and 5.2 in U87-MG. Other cytokines were increased as well, brit less constantly: IL-8, and VEGF were elevated signi ficantly only in T98G, but not in U87-MG. Increases of IL-1 beta, IL-1a and TGF beta -2 were only detectable at the mRNA level. TNF was not detectable in any of the cell lines, and TGF-beta, aFGF and HG were not influenced by IFN-gamma. Conclusion: IL-6 produced by glioma cells in response to IFN-ga mma might support immune eradication of glioma cells.