Interferon gamma-dependent transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor

The present report provides evidence that, in A431 cells, interferon γ (IFNγ) induces the rapid (within 5 min), and reversible, tyrosine phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). IFNγ-induced EGFR transactivation requires EGFR kinase activity, as well as activity of the Src-family tyrosine kinases and JAK2. Here, we show that IFNγ-induced STAT1 activation in A431 and HeLa cells partially depends on the kinase activity of both EGFR and Src. Furthermore, in these cells, EGFR kinase activity is essential for IFNγ-induced ERK1,2 activation. This study is the first to demonstrate that EGFR is implicated in IFNγ-dependent signaling pathways.