AUTHOR=Manchinu Maria Francesca , Simbula Michela , Caria Cristian Antonio , Musu Ester , Perseu Lucia , Porcu Susanna , Steri Maristella , Poddie Daniela , Frau Jessica , Cocco Eleonora , Manunza Laura , Barella Susanna , Ristaldi Maria Serafina 

TITLE=Delta-Globin Gene Expression Is Enhanced in vivo by Interferon Type I

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 7 - 2020

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2020.00163

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2020.00163

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=Beta hemoglobinopathies are widely spread monogenic lethal diseases. Delta-globin gene activation has been proposed as a possible approach to cure these pathologies. The therapeutic potential of the delta-globin, the non-alpha component of Hemoglobin A2 (α2δ2; HbA2), has been demonstrated in a mouse model of beta thalassemia while its anti-sickling effect, comparable to that of the gamma globin, has been established some time ago. Here we show that delta-globin gene expression is considerably increased in a DeoxyribonucleaseII-aplha knockout mouse model in which type 1 Interferon (Interferon beta, IFNb) is activated. 
IFNb activation in the fetal improves delta-globin gene expression while beta-globin gene expression is significantly reduced. In addition, we show that HbA2 is significantly increased in patients with multiple sclerosis under type 1 Interferon treatment. Our results represent a proof of principle that delta-globin expression could be enhanced through the use of molecules. This observation is potentially interesting in view of a pharmacological approach able to increase HbA2 level.