IFN-α-induced gp96 upregulation negatively affects the anti-HBV efficiency of IFN-α

Abstract:

Abstract:［Objective］To investigate the effect of the Interferon-α-induced gp96 upregulation on the anti-HBV efficiency of Interferon-α(IFN-α).［Methods］The effect of IFN-α on the transcription and expression of heat shock protein gp96 was determined by real-time PCR，luciferase reporter assay and Western blot．The effect of over-expression or knock-down of gp96 by transfection or RNA interference，and treatment with IFN-α on HBV expression and replication was examined by ELISA and RT-PCR.［Results］IFN-α treatment led to increased gp96 expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The overexpression of gp96 enhanced HBV expression and replication，whereas downregulation of gp96 resulted in decreased HBV replication． Finally，we verified that blocking IFN-α-induced upregulation of gp96 significantly enhanced IFN-α-mediated HBV inhibitory effects.［Conclusion］ IFN-α-induced upregulation of gp96 may negatively affect the anti-HBV function of IFN-α. These data provide valuable insight for enhancing the antiviral efficacy of IFN-α by simultaneous inhibition of gp96．