IL-27 suppresses SKOV3 cells proliferation by enhancing STAT3 and inhibiting the Akt signal pathway

Interleukin-6 Family of Cytokines in Cancers

Nine soluble ligands [interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-11 (IL-11), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), oncostatin M (OSM), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), cardiotrophin-like cytokine, interleukin-27 (IL-27), and interleukin-31] share the ubiquitously expressed transmembrane protein-glycoprotein-130 beta-subunit (gp130) and thus form IL-6 family cytokines. Proteins that may be important for cancerogenesis, CT-1, IL-11, IL-27, LIF, OSM, and CNTF, belong to the superfamily of IL-6. Cytokines such as IL-6, IL-11, and IL-27 are better investigated in comparison with other members of the same family of cytokines, eg, CT-1. Gp130 is one of the main receptors through which these cytokines exert their effects. The clinical implication of understanding the pathways of these cytokines in oncology is that targeted therapy to inhibit or potentiate cytokine activity may lead to remission in some cases.

The potential role of interleukins and interferons in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer poses significant challenges and remains a highly lethal disease with limited treatment options. In the context of ovarian cancer, interleukins (ILs) and interferons (IFNs), important cytokines that play crucial roles in regulating the immune system, have emerged as significant factors influencing its development. This article provides a comprehensive review of the involvement of various ILs, including those from the IL-1 family, IL-2 family, IL-6 family, IL-8 family, IL-10 family, and IL-17 family, in ovarian cancer. The focus is on their impact on tumor growth, metastasis, and their role in evading immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, the article conducts an in-depth examination of the oncogenic or antitumor roles of each IL in the context of ovarian cancer pathogenesis and progression. Besides, we elucidated the enhancements in the treatment of ovarian cancer through the utilization of type-I IFN and type-II IFN. Recent research has shed light on the intricate mechanisms through which specific ILs and IFNs contribute to the advancement of the disease. By incorporating recent findings, this review also seeks to inspire further investigations into unexplored mechanisms, fostering ongoing research to develop more effective therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer. Moreover, through an in-depth analysis of IL- and IFN-associated clinical trials, we have highlighted their promising potential of in the treatment of ovarian cancer. These clinical trials serve to reinforce the significant outlook for utilizing ILs and IFNs as therapeutic agents in combating this disease.

Comparing the Secretomes of Chemorefractory and Chemoresistant Ovarian Cancer Cell Populations

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) constitutes the majority of all ovarian cancer cases and has staggering rates of both refractory and recurrent disease. While most patients respond to the initial treatment with paclitaxel and platinum-based drugs, up to 25% do not, and of the remaining that do, 75% experience disease recurrence within the subsequent two years. Intrinsic resistance in refractory cases is driven by environmental stressors like tumor hypoxia which alter the tumor microenvironment to promote cancer progression and resistance to anticancer drugs. Recurrent disease describes the acquisition of chemoresistance whereby cancer cells survive the initial exposure to chemotherapy and develop adaptations to enhance their chances of surviving subsequent treatments. Of the environmental stressors cancer cells endure, exposure to hypoxia has been identified as a potent trigger and priming agent for the development of chemoresistance. Both in the presence of the stress of hypoxia or the therapeutic stress of chemotherapy, cancer cells manage to cope and develop adaptations which prime populations to survive in future stress. One adaptation is the modification in the secretome. Chemoresistance is associated with translational reprogramming for increased protein synthesis, ribosome biogenesis, and vesicle trafficking. This leads to increased production of soluble proteins and extracellular vesicles (EVs) involved in autocrine and paracrine signaling processes. Numerous studies have demonstrated that these factors are largely altered between the secretomes of chemosensitive and chemoresistant patients. Such factors include cytokines, growth factors, EVs, and EV-encapsulated microRNAs (miRNAs), which serve to induce invasive molecular, biophysical, and chemoresistant phenotypes in neighboring normal and cancer cells. This review examines the modifications in the secretome of distinct chemoresistant ovarian cancer cell populations and specific secreted factors, which may serve as candidate biomarkers for aggressive and chemoresistant cancers.

Interleukin-27 Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Ovalbumin-Induced Mice Bronchial Epithelial Cells

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of bronchial epithelial cells is a critical mechanism involved in transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) induced asthma airway remodeling. Previous study has shown that interleukin 27 (IL-27) attenuates EMT in alveolar epithelial cells, but its effects on the BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cell line EMT remain unknown. Herein, we explored the effects of IL-27 on BEAS-2B EMT in vivo and in vitro. In the in vivo experiments, we found that IL-27 nose-drip therapy alleviated airway remodeling, increased the epithelial phenotypic marker epithelial-cadherin (E-cadherin), and decreased the mesenchymal phenotypic marker alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) compared with the asthmatic control group. We also found that IL-27 suppressed the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) in the lung tissue of asthmatic mice. in vitro, TGF-β1-induced EMT changes, including downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of α-SMA, were suppressed by IL-27 treatment. Additionally, STAT3 phosphorylation was activated by TGF-β1, whereas IL-27 inhibited the activation of TGF-β1 induced STAT3 phosphorylation. Our findings indicated that IL-27 could inhibit airway remodeling by attenuating bronchial epithelial cell EMT in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, IL-27 may be a beneficial therapeutic option targeting asthmatic airway remodeling.

IL-12 Family Cytokines in Cancer and Immunotherapy

The IL-12 family cytokines are a group of unique heterodimeric cytokines that include IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, IL-35 and, most recently, IL-39. Recent studies have solidified the importance of IL-12 cytokines in shaping innate and adaptive immune responses in cancer and identified multipronged roles for distinct IL-12 family members, ranging from effector to regulatory immune functions. These cytokines could serve as promising candidates for the development of immunomodulatory therapeutic approaches. Overall, IL-12 can be considered an effector cytokine and has been found to engage anti-tumor immunity by activating the effector Th1 response, which is required for the activation of cytotoxic T and NK cells and tumor clearance. IL-23 and IL-27 play dual roles in tumor immunity, as they can both activate effector immune responses and promote tumor growth by favoring immune suppression. IL-35 is a potent regulatory cytokine and plays a largely pro-tumorigenic role by inhibiting effector T cells. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on IL-12 family cytokines in the control of tumor growth with an emphasis primarily on immune regulation. We underscore the clinical implications for the use of these cytokines either in the setting of monotherapy or in combination with other conventional therapies for the more effective treatment of malignancies.

The mechanism of and the association between interleukin-27 and chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity in lung cancer

Interleukins (ILs) are involved in the occurrence and development of numerous types of cancer, and serve a critical role in the development of effective cancer therapeutics. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of IL-27 on chemotherapy resistance in lung cancer cells, and analyze its potential molecular mechanism in lung cancer tissues. Western blot analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to examine the RNA and protein expression levels of IL-27. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was performed to evaluate the proliferation rates of the lung cancer line A549. Flow cytometry was subsequently applied to determine the rate of apoptosis in A549 cells. The data obtained revealed that the expression of IL-27 with cisplatin, significantly suppressed the proliferation and apoptosis of A549 cells compared with that in the cisplatin treatment group alone. The expression of Akt and apoptosis factors such as Caspase-3 and Bcl-2/Bax also ascertained that upregulated IL-27 inhibited the development of cancer and increased apoptosis in the A549 cells. Therefore, IL-27 may represent a potential target for antitumor therapy, especially when considering the clinical challenges presented by the development of chemoresistance in tumors. These findings suggest that IL-27 is a promising biomarker and represents a novel treatment strategy for patients with lung cancer.

IL-27, a pleiotropic cytokine for fine-tuning the immune response in cancer

Interleukin (IL)-27, a member of the IL-6/IL-12 family, has an important role in modulating inflammation in partnership with innate and adaptive immune cells. IL-27 binding to IL-27R starts downstream signaling based on the target cells. It can instigate inflammation by inducing CD4⁺ T cell proliferation, Th1 polarization, cytotoxic T cell activation, generation of the natural killer cell, and macrophage and dendritic cell activation. However, by inducing programmed cell death and suppression of effector cells, IL-27 can suppress inflammation and return the immune response to hemostasis. Altogether, IL-27 displays multifaceted dual functions, which may result in either pro- or anti-inflammatory effects. Recent investigations indicated the antitumor activity of IL-27 via inducing Th1, and CTL responses and generating NK cells. On the other hand, IL-27 also can promote tumor cells' proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. In the present review, we'll discuss recent advances concerning the role of IL-27 in inflammatory diseases such as infections, autoimmune diseases with a focus on cancer.

IL-27 alleviates airway remodeling in a mouse model of asthma via PI3K/Akt pathway

Purpose: Airway remodeling is one of the features of severe asthma. Previous study shows that IL-27 inhibits airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. However, the role of IL-27 on airway remodeling in OVA-induced asthmatic mice and its possible mechanism remain unclear. Methods: We established an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice model. IL-27 were preventative administered to OVA-induced asthmatic mice. The total cells in Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were measured. The lung tissues were performed by Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining to estimate the pathological changes. Masson staining was used to observe the collagen deposition area. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Type I collagen was measured by immunohistochemistry, western blot, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Additionally, western blot was also used to measure the expression of phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt) in each group. Results: IL-27 group showed significant inhibitory effect on the α-SMA and Type I collagen. The expression of p-Akt in the tissues of asthma model was increased and inhibited by IL-27. Conclusions: IL-27 can alleviate airway remodeling in OVA-induced asthmatic mice, and the mechanism may relate to PI3K/Akt pathway.

The role of Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway in ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are critical sensors related to inflammation and tumorigenesis. Among all subtypes, the TLR4 is a highly described transmembrane protein involved in the inflammatory process. The TLR4/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) signaling pathway has been implicated in oncogenic events in several tissues and is associated with survival of patients. Through activation, TLR4 recruits adaptor proteins, i.e., MyD88 or TRIF, to triggers canonical and non-canonical signaling pathways that result in distinct immune responses. In most cancer cells, uncontrolled TLR4 signaling modifies the tumor microenvironment to proliferate and evade immune surveillance. By contrast, TLR4 activation can produce antitumor activities, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and enhancing the proper immune response. We review herein recent approaches on the role of the TLR4 signaling pathway and discuss potential candidates for gynecological cancer therapies; among these agents, natural and synthetic compounds have been tested both in vitro and in vivo. Since TLR4 ligands have been investigated as effective immune-adjuvants in the context of these aggressive malignancies, we described how TLR4 signaling controls part of the tumor-related inflammatory process and which are the new targeting molecules implicated in the regulation of tumorigenicity in ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers.

IL-27, IL-30, and IL-35: A Cytokine Triumvirate in Cancer

The role of the immune system in anti-tumor immunity cannot be overstated, as it holds the potential to promote tumor eradication or prevent tumor cell escape. Cytokines are critical to influencing the immune responses and interactions with non-immune cells. Recently, the IL-12 and IL-6 family of cytokines have accumulated newly defined members each with specific immune functions related to various cancers and tumorigenesis. There is a need to better understand how cytokines like IL-27, IL-30, and IL-35 interact with one another, and how a developing tumor can exploit these interactions to enhance immune suppression. Current cytokine-based immunotherapies are associated with cytotoxic side effects which limits the success of treatment. In addition to this toxicity, understanding the complex interactions between immune and cancer cells may be one of the greatest challenges to developing a successful immunotherapy. In this review, we bring forth IL-27, IL-30, and IL-35, “sister cytokines,” along with more recent additions to the IL-12 family, which serve distinct purposes despite sharing structural similarities. We highlight how these cytokines function in the tumor microenvironment by examining their direct effects on cancer cells as well their indirect actions via regulatory functions of immune cells that act to either instigate or inhibit tumor progression. Understanding the context dependent immunomodulatory outcomes of these sister cytokines, as well as their regulation within the tumor microenvironment, may shed light onto novel cancer therapeutic treatments or targets.

Investigation of Interleukin-27 in the Sera of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Patients

IL-27 has been shown to have both tumor promoting and suppressing functions. IL-27, with its diverse influences on immune responses, has not been studied extensively in nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC), including Squamous and Basal Cell Carcinomas (SCC and BCC), and its roles in tumor initiation, progression, and its probable use in NMSC treatment have yet to be unveiled. A cross-sectional analytical study was designed to investigate the serum levels of IL-27 in NMSC patients in comparison to normal individuals. Levels of IL-27 in the sera of 60 NMSC patients along with 28 healthy controls were measured by means of quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In this study we observed that IL-27 serum levels were significantly higher in NMSC patients in comparison to healthy individuals (0.0134 versus 0.0008 ng/ml; P<0.001). Furthermore, when subcategorized based on pathological diagnosis, both BCC and SCC patients had higher levels of IL-27 in their sera compared to controls (P=0.002 and P=0.033; respectively). However, these levels were not different among SCC and BCC patients. According to our results, it seems that IL-27 is involved in antitumor immune responses in NMSCs. On the other hand, these observations might be indicative of this cytokine involvement in NMSC tumorigenesis and progression. Therefore, administration of this cytokine for therapeutic purposes in patients with such conditions should be erred on the side of caution.

Dual Roles of IL-27 in Cancer Biology and Immunotherapy

IL-27 is a pleiotropic two-chain cytokine, composed of EBI3 and IL-27p28 subunits, which is structurally related to both IL-12 and IL-6 cytokine families. IL-27 acts through a heterodimer receptor consisting of IL-27Rα (WSX1) and gp130 chains, which mediate signaling predominantly through STAT1 and STAT3. IL-27 was initially reported as an immune-enhancing cytokine that supports CD4+ T cell proliferation, T helper (Th)1 cell differentiation, and IFN-γ production, acting in concert with IL-12. However, subsequent studies demonstrated that IL-27 displays complex immune-regulatory functions, which may result in either proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory effects in relationship to the biological context and experimental models considered. Several pieces of evidence, obtained in preclinical tumor models, indicated that IL-27 has a potent antitumor activity, related not only to the induction of tumor-specific Th1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses but also to direct inhibitory effects on tumor cell proliferation, survival, invasiveness, and angiogenic potential. Nonetheless, given its immune-regulatory functions, the effects of IL-27 on cancer may be dual and protumor effects may also occur. Here, we will summarize IL-27 biological activities and its functional overlaps with the IFNs and discuss its dual role in tumors in the light of potential applications to cancer immunotherapy.