Interleukin 24: Signal Transduction Pathways

The role of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 in inflammatory bowel disease and its associated colorectal cancer

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC), as two of the major human intestinal diseases, provide challenges for the medical field. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), a protein molecule that negatively regulates cytokine signaling through multiple pathways, is involved in the regulation of various inflammatory diseases and tumors. In IBD, SOCS3 acts on a variety of cells to repair mucosal damage and balance the immune response, including epithelial cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, and T cells. In CRC, SOCS3 is inextricably linked to tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Therefore, it is crucial to systematically investigate the pathogenic involvement of SOCS3 in IBD and CRC. This article reviews the mechanisms and pathways by which SOCS3 is involved in the inhibition of IBD and the mitigation of CRC, and details the therapeutic options for targeting SOCS3.

The mechanism of cytokine regulation of cancer occurrence and development in the tumor microenvironment and its application in cancer treatment: a narrative review

Background and Objective

The occurrence and development of tumors in human tissues widely depend on their surrounding environment, known as the tumor microenvironment (TME), which comprises various cells, molecules, and blood vessels. Through modifications, organization, and integration, these elements serve as potential therapeutic targets in anti-cancer therapy, supporting and promoting the proliferation, invasion, and metabolism of tumor cells. Cytokines within TME are responsible for immune cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation, thereby influencing the tumor's behavior. This article reviews the use of cytokines in tumor immunotherapy and combs the network signals that cytokines mediate in the development of malignancies.

Methods

A literature search of international sources was carried out on the PubMed and Web of Science databases, using main keywords such as "tumor immunotherapy", "cytokines", "chemokines", "tumor microenvironment", "recombinant cytokine engineering", and "tumor necrosis factor superfamily".

Key Content and Findings

The review provides a thorough summary of the functions of tumor necrosis factor superfamilies, chemokines, and interleukins within the TME as well as their therapeutic uses. Their potential as novel targets for tumor treatment is also evaluated. Furthermore, this paper focuses on various feasible strategies for recombinant cytokines reported in recent years, especially the cytokine engineering methods for targeting tumors. Ultimately, this paper contributes to an enhanced understanding among researchers of the mechanisms underlying the impact of the TME on disease development, thereby laying a solid foundation for the future development of new tumor therapies based on cytokines within the TME.

Conclusions

Cytokine immunotherapy holds promise on antitumor therapy. It is anticipated that the effectiveness of tumor treatment and the quality of life for tumor patients will continue to improve with ongoing research and development in this field.

The Role of Interleukin-24 and Downstream Pathways in Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases

Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases are pathological immune disorders and pose significant public health challenges due to their impact on individuals and society. Cytokine dysregulation plays a critical role in the development of these disorders. Interleukin (IL)-24, a member of the IL-10 cytokine family, can be secreted by various cell types, including immune and non-immune cells. The downstream effects of IL-24 upon binding to its receptors can occur in dependence on, or independently of, the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and the activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. IL-24 and its downstream pathways influence crucial processes such as cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation, with its role varying across different diseases. On the one hand, IL-24 can inhibit the activation of pathogenic cells and autoimmune responses in autoimmune ocular diseases; on the other hand, IL-24 has been also implicated in promoting tissue damage by fostering immune cell activation and infiltration in psoriasis and allergic diseases. It suggests that IL-24, as a multifunctional cytokine, has complex regulatory functions in immune cells and related diseases. In this paper, we summarize the current knowledge on IL-24's immunomodulatory actions and its involvement in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Such insights may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies for these diseases.

Enhancement of keratinocyte survival and migration elicited by interleukin 24 upregulation in dermal microvascular endothelium upon welding-fume exposure

Occupational exposure to welding fumes constitutes a serious health concern. Although the effects of fumes on the respiratory tract have been investigated, few apparent reports were published on their effects on the skin. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure to welding fumes on skin cells, focusing on interleukin-24 (IL-24), a cytokine involved in the pathophysiology of skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Treatment with welding fumes increased IL-24 expression and production levels in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC) which were higher than that in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. IL-24 levels in Trolox and deferoxamine markedly suppressed welding fume-induced IL-24 expression in HDMEC, indicating that oxidative stress may be involved in this cytokine expression. IL-24 released from HDMEC protected keratinocytes from welding fume-induced damage and enhanced keratinocyte migration. Serum IL-24 was higher in welding workers than in general subjects and was positively correlated with elevated serum levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, an oxidative stress marker. In summary, welding fumes enhanced IL-24 expression in HDMEC, stimulating keratinocyte survival and migration. IL-24 expression in endothelial cells may act as an adaptive response to welding-fume exposure in the skin.

Interleukin-24: A molecular mediator of particulate matter's impact on skin aging

Air pollution, a global health concern, has been associated with adverse effects on human health. In particular, particulate matter (PM), which is a major contributor to air pollution, impacts various organ systems including the skins. In fact, PM has been suggested as a culprit for accelerating skin aging and pigmentation. In this study, using single-cell RNA sequencing, IL-24 was found to be highly upregulated among the differentially expressed genes commonly altered in keratinocytes and fibroblasts of ex vivo skins exposed to PM. It was verified that PM exposure triggered the expression of IL-24 in keratinocytes, which subsequently led to a decrease in type I procollagen expression and an increase in MMP1 expression in fibroblasts. Furthermore, long-term treatment of IL-24 induced cellular senescence in fibroblasts. Through high-throughput screening, we identified chemical compounds that inhibit the IL-24-STAT3 signaling pathway, with lovastatin being the chosen candidate. Lovastatin not only effectively reduced the expression of IL24 induced by PM in keratinocytes but also exhibited a capacity to restore the decrease in type I procollagen and the increase in MMP1 caused by IL-24 in fibroblasts. This study provides insights into the significance of IL-24, illuminating mechanisms behind PM-induced skin aging, and proposes IL-24 as a promising target to mitigate PM-associated skin aging.

Serum IL-24 combined with CA125 as screening and prognostic biomarkers for NSCLC

Noninvasive and effective methods for early screening of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) still need to be developed. At present, a reasonable conclusion is that a combination of tumor markers is a superior predictor of screening. Cytokines, as important regulators of cancer development, have great potential for the screening and prognosis of NSCLC. This study screened novel biomarkers related to the early screening and prognosis of NSCLC. In the present study, the biological significance and immunoregulation of interleukin-24 (IL-24) were analyzed based on The Cancer Genome Atlas data. Next, 150 serum samples from initially treated patients with NSCLC and 70 controls were collected, and we obtained pathological sections from 60 patients with NSCLC. The ELISA and immunohistochemistry results showed the differential expression of IL-24 and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125). The results show that IL-24 is an important tumor suppressor in NSCLC that helps to improve the poor prognosis of these patients. A significantly negative correlation between IL-24 and CA125 levels was also found. Notably, serum IL-24 levels were significantly negatively correlated with the TNM stage of patients with NSCLC, consistent with an important role for tumor suppressors in NSCLC. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a combination of IL-24 and CA125 was an effective panel for discriminating patients with NSCLC from HD, and individuals with other lung diseases. Serum IL-24 and CA125 levels were identified as independent prognostic markers for NSCLC. The IL-24 and CA125 panel exhibited good performance in the screening of NSCLC.

Interleukin-22 receptor 1-mediated stimulation of T-type Ca2+ channels enhances sensory neuronal excitability through the tyrosine-protein kinase Lyn-dependent PKA pathway

BACKGROUND

Interleukin 24 (IL-24) has been implicated in the nociceptive signaling. However, direct evidence and the precise molecular mechanism underlying IL-24's role in peripheral nociception remain unclear.

METHODS

Using patch clamp recording, molecular biological analysis, immunofluorescence labeling, siRNA-mediated knockdown approach and behavior tests, we elucidated the effects of IL-24 on sensory neuronal excitability and peripheral pain sensitivity mediated by T-type Ca2+ channels (T-type channels).

RESULTS

IL-24 enhances T-type channel currents (T-currents) in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons in a reversible and dose-dependent manner, primarily by activating the interleukin-22 receptor 1 (IL-22R1). Furthermore, we found that the IL-24-induced T-type channel response is mediated through tyrosine-protein kinase Lyn, but not its common downstream target JAK1. IL-24 application significantly activated protein kinase A; this effect was independent of cAMP and prevented by Lyn antagonism. Inhibition of PKA prevented the IL-24-induced T-current response, whereas inhibition of protein kinase C or MAPK kinases had no effect. Functionally, IL-24 increased TG neuronal excitability and enhanced pain sensitivity to mechanical stimuli in mice, both of which were suppressed by blocking T-type channels. In a trigeminal neuropathic pain model induced by chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve, inhibiting IL-22R1 signaling alleviated mechanical allodynia, which was reversed by blocking T-type channels or knocking down Cav3.2.

CONCLUSION

Our findings reveal that IL-24 enhances T-currents by stimulating IL-22R1 coupled to Lyn-dependent PKA signaling, leading to TG neuronal hyperexcitability and pain hypersensitivity. Understanding the mechanism of IL-24/IL-22R1 signaling in sensory neurons may pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies in pain management.

Interleukins and interferons in mesenchymal stromal stem cell-based gene therapy of cancer

The tumor microenvironment is importantly shaped by various cytokines, where interleukins (ILs) and interferons (IFNs) shape the balance of immune activity within tumor niche and associated lymphoid organs. Their importance in activation and tuning of both innate and adaptive immune responses prompted their use in several clinical trials, albeit with limited therapeutic efficacy and risk of toxicity due to systemic administration. Increasing preclinical evidence suggests that local delivery of ILs and IFNs could significantly increase their effectiveness, while simultaneously attenuate the known side effects and issues related to their biological activity. A prominent way to achieve this is to use cell-based delivery vehicles. For this purpose, mesenchymal stromal stem cells (MSCs) are considered an almost ideal candidate. Namely, MSCs can be obtained in large quantities and from obtainable sources (e.g. umbilical cord or adipose tissue), their ex vivo expansion is relatively straightforward compared to other cell types and they possess very low immunogenicity making them suitable for allogeneic use. Importantly, MSCs have shown an intrinsic capacity to respond to tumor-directed chemotaxis. This review provides a focused and detailed discussion on MSC-based gene therapy using ILs and IFNs, engineering techniques and insights on potential future advancements.