Interferon-γ-mediated apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells: Implications for potentially beneficial cytokine balancing

Aims: Interferon (IFN)-γ represents one of the key mediators in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. In our hands, IFN-γ shifts the interleukin (IL)-18/IL-18 binding protein (bp) ratio in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) towards the latter; however, even in the absence of other pro-apoptotic cytokines, cell death occurs. Aim: To determine the mechanisms involved in IFN-γ mediated cell death of IEC. Methods: IEC lines (HT-29/Caco-2/T84) were stimulated with different concentrations of IFN-γ. Staining of the cells was performed with Annexin, Sytox Green and Draq 5. DNA was taken from cell lysates to p…