Interferon-gamma signaling pathway: Modulation of key genes in the progression of glioblastoma

Figure 7 Key interferon-stimulated genes involved in glioblastoma pathology. The binding of interferon-gamma to its receptor activates the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) pathway, promoting the transcription of interferon-stimulated genes. In glioblastoma, this activation is associated with the overexpression of genes such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), and STAT1, which contribute to the establishment of an immunosuppressive and aggressive tumor microenvironment. PD-L1 and IDO1 promote immune evasion, while IRF1 is associated with poor survival. Meanwhile, STAT1 and ISG15 are linked to processes of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, all of which are related to an aggressive tumor. PD-L1: Programmed death-ligand 1; ISG15: Interferon-stimulated gene 15; IRF1: Interferon regulatory factor 1; STAT1: Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1; JAK: Janus kinase; IFN-γ: Interferon-gamma; IDO1: Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1.