Induction of BAFF expression by IFN-γ via JAK/STAT signaling pathways in human intestinal epithelial cells

BAFF plays an important role in the development of B cells. Here, we investigated the effect of IFN-gamma on BAFF expression in human intestinal epithelial cells. IFN-gamma-induced soluble and membrane-bound BAFF production in a dose-and time-dependent manner. IFN-gamma induced BAFF release from polarized intestinal epithelial cells was observed in apical and basolateral compartments. JAK I inhibitor suppressed IFN-gamma-induced BAFF expression. Moreover, IFN-gamma enhanced STAT1 phosphorylation and expression of IRF-1. Transient transfection and reporter gene assay showed that the BAFF promoter region spanning -750 to -500 bp from the translation initiation site was crucial for IFN-gamma-induced BAFF expression. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed a GAS element in the promoter region. ChIP assay confirmed the enhanced binding of phosphorylated STAT1 to the BAFF promoter region at -800 to -601 bp. Furthermore, IFN-gamma enhanced DNA binding to GAS and its transcriptional activation, as determined by the EMSA and reporter gene assay. Collectively, these results suggest that IFN-gamma induces BAFF expression in human intestinal epithelial cells through JAK/STAT signaling pathways that might activate the GAS and IRF-1-binding element in the BAFF promoter. J. Leukoc. Biol. 93: 363-368; 2013.