2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (29): 4611-4615

Recombinant human interferon alpha-2b inhibits the proliferation and migration of scar fibroblasts

Wang Rui1, Yu Fei1, Liu Taibin1, Hou Xiuli1, Liu Zhendong1, 2, Huo Jing1, Song Jianbo1   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recombinant human interferon α-2b is a cytokine with antiviral, antiproliferative, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities, which has certain preventive and curative effects on scar tissue.  
OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of recombinant human interferon α-2b on scar fibroblasts and to observe its effects on the proliferation and migration abilities of scar fibroblasts.  
METHODS: In vitro scar fibroblasts were cultured to logarithmic growth phase and treated with 0, 5 000, 10 000, 20 000 IU/mL recombinant human interferon α-2b for 48 hours. Cell proliferation was observed by EdU staining and cell migration was detected through cell scratch test and Transwell test. Expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and matrix metalloproteinase 2, proliferation- and migration-associated proteins of scar fibroblasts were detected by western blot assay.  
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results of in vitro cell experiments showed that, compared with the control group, recombinant human interferon α-2b could significantly decrease the number of EdU-positive cells, the wound healing rate, the number of migrated cells, and the protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (P < 0.05). All these findings indicate that recombinant human interferon α-2b can inhibit the proliferation and migration of scar fibroblasts.
Key words: recombinant human interferon α-2b, hypertrophic scar, fibroblast, cell migration