A Novel Interferon Regulatory Factor (IRF), IRF-10, Has a Unique Role in Immune Defense and Is Induced by the v-Rel Oncoprotein

Abstract

ABSTRACT The cloning and functional characterization of a novel interferon regulatory factor (IRF), IRF-10, are described. IRF-10 is most closely related to IRF-4 but differs in both its constitutive and inducible expression. The expression of IRF-10 is inducible by interferons (IFNs) and by concanavalin A. In contrast to that of other IRFs, the inducible expression of IRF-10 is characterized by delayed kinetics and requires protein synthesis, suggesting a unique role in the later stages of an antiviral defense. Accordingly, IRF-10 is involved in the upregulation of two primary IFN-γ target genes (major histocompatibility complex [MHC] class I and guanylate-binding protein) and interferes with the induction of the type I IFN target gene for 2′,5′-oligo(A) synthetase. IRF-10 binds the interferon-stimulated response element site of the MHC class I promoter. In contrast to that of IRF-1, which has some of the same functional characteristics, the expression of IRF-10 is not cytotoxic for fibroblasts or B cells. The expression of IRF-10 is induced by the oncogene v- rel , the proto-oncogene c- rel , and IRF-4 in a tissue-specific manner. Moreover, v-Rel and IRF-4 synergistically cooperate in the induction of IRF-10 in fibroblasts. The level of IRF-10 induction in lymphoid cell lines by Rel proteins correlates with Rel transformation potential. These results suggest that IRF-10 plays a role in the late stages of an immune defense by regulating the expression some of the IFN-γ target genes in the absence of a cytotoxic effect. Furthermore, IRF-10 expression is regulated, at least in part, by members of the Rel/NF-κB and IRF families.