Human recombinant interferons‐beta and ‐gamma decrease gelatinase production and invasion by human KG‐2 renal‐carcinoma cells

We investigated the effects of human recombinant interferons (r‐IFNs) on gelatinase production and invasion by human renal‐cell carcinoma (HRCC). Incubation of KG‐2 HRCC with human r‐IFN‐β or ‐γ (but not ‐α) suppressed transcription of the 72‐kDa gelatinase gene and, hence, production of gelatinase activity. These inhibitory effects of interferons (IFNs) were independent of their antiproliferative effects. Treatment of KG‐2 cells with r‐IFN‐β or ‐γ significantly inhibited cell invasion through reconstituted basement membrane toward chemoattractants produced by kidney fibroblasts. The inhibitory activity of r‐IFNs was specific to the KG‐2 cells since gelatinase activity by various fibroblasts was unaffected. These findings suggest that r‐IFN‐β or IFN‐γ may be used to inhibit the invasive potential of HRCC.