Fig. 4
From: Roles of IFN-γ in tumor progression and regression: a review
Interferon-γ contributes to cancer immunotherapy efficacy. The efficacy of anti-PD-1-antibody and anti-CTLA4-antibody in cancer treatment may be improved or diminished by the presence of IFN-γ. Tumor progression: The downregulation of IFN-γ/IFNGR pathway may decrease the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. The IFN-γ drive expression of inhibitory ligands (IDILs) on tumor cells such as TNFRSF14, LGALS9, MHCII, CD86, IFIT1 and MX1 to dampen the immune response. Moreover, IFN-γ exerts apoptotic effects on immune effector tumor-infiltrating cells. Tumor regression: Increased expression of interferon signature genes (IFNG, CD274, LAG3, and CXCL9) or IFN-γ concentration in the TME is linked to better ICB efficacy. IFNGR-interferon gamma receptor; IDILs-interferon-driven inhibitory ligands; TILs-tumor infiltrating lymphocytes; ISGs-interferon signature genes; ICB-immune checkpoint blockade; TME-tumor microenvironment