Transcriptome analysis reveals a role of interferon-gamma in human neointima formation

The most effective immediate cure for coronary stenosis is stent-supported angioplasty. Restenosis due to neointima proliferation represents a major l imitation. We investigated the expression of 2435 genes in atherectomy spec imens and blood cells of patients with restenosis, normal coronary artery s pecimens, and cultured human smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Of the 223 differe ntially expressed genes, 37 genes indicated activation of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) signaling in neointimal SMCs. In cultured SMCs, lFN-gamma inhib ited apoptosis. Genetic disruption of IFN-gamma signaling in a mouse model of restenosis significantly reduced the vascular proliferative response. Ou r data suggest an important role of lFN-gamma in the control of neointima p roliferation.