Recombinant IFN-α2a-NGR Exhibits Higher Inhibitory Function on Tumor Neovessels Formation Compared with IFN-α2a in Vivo and in Vitro

Overview

Journal Cytotechnology

Specialties Biotechnology
Genetics

Date 2014 Jun 6

PMID 24897998

Citations 1

Authors

Weina Li

Qiang Hao

Liqing He

Jieru Meng

Meng Li

Xiaochang Xue

Cun Zhang

Hong Li

Wei Zhang

Yingqi Zhang

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

We previously reported that NGR-fused IFN-α2a (IFN-α2a-NGR) exhibited similar biological activities with native IFN-α2a and was well-tolerated in mice, rats and monkeys. In the current study, we evaluated the mechanisms of this fusion protein on angiogenesis and tumor formation. Our data indicated that IFN-α2a-NGR has the ability to target tumor blood vessels while preserving the original function of native IFN-α2a. IFN-α2a-NGR was found to be concentrated in the tumor tissues, particularly around the vessel areas. In contrast to IFN-α2a, IFN-α2a-NGR significantly decreased microvessel density and increased the apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells. IFN-α2a-NGR also decreased the expression of VEGF and bFGF in tumor cells. Significant inhibition of invasion, migration, tube formation and induction of apoptosis of endothelial cells were observed in IFN-α2a-NGR-treated group. In conclusion, results from in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that IFN-α2a-NGR is a promising anti-angiogenic agent with greater therapeutic efficacy than IFN-α2a.

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