Combined inhibition of IL‑6 and IL‑8 pathways suppresses ovarian cancer cell viability and migration and tumor growth

Evaluation of effects of bisphenol analogs AF, S, and F on viability, proliferation, production of selected cancer-related factors, and expression of selected transcripts in Caov-3 human ovarian epithelial cell line

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been a substantial additive in plastics until the reports on its adverse effects have led to its restrictions and replacement. Monitoring studies document the increasing occurrence of bisphenol analogs, however, data on their effects and risks is still insufficient. Based on the indications that BPA might contribute to ovarian cancer pathogenesis, we examined effects of the analogs AF (BPAF), S (BPS) and F (BPF) (10-9-10-4 M) on the Caov-3 epithelial cancer cells, including the impact on cell viability, proliferation, oxidative stress, and production and expression of several factors and genes related to ovarian cancer. At environmentally relevant doses, bisphenols did not exert significant effects. At the highest concentration, BPAF caused varied alterations, including decreased cell viability and proliferation, caspase activation, down-regulation of PCNA and BIRC5, elevation of IL8, VEGFA, MYC, PTGS2 and ABCB1 expressions. Only BPA (10-4 M) increased IL-6, IL-8 and VEGFA output by the Caov-3 cells. Each bisphenol induced generation of reactive oxygen species and decreased superoxide dismutase activity at the highest concentration. Although the effects were observed only in the supraphysiological doses, the results indicate that certain bisphenol analogs might affect several ovarian cancer cell characteristics and merit further investigation.

The CXCR2 chemokine receptor: A new target for gastric cancer therapy

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, and current treatments are still based on surgery and drug therapy. However, due to the complexity of immunosuppression and drug resistance, the treatment of gastric cancer still faces great challenges. Chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) is one of the most common therapeutic targets in targeted therapy. As a G protein-coupled receptor, CXCR2 and its ligands play important roles in tumorigenesis and progression. The abnormal expression of these genes in cancer plays a decisive role in the recruitment and activation of white blood cells, angiogenesis, and cancer cell proliferation, and CXCR2 is involved in various stages of tumor development. Therefore, interfering with the interaction between CXCR2 and its ligands is considered a possible target for the treatment of various tumors, including gastric cancer.

Targeting cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways for cancer therapy

Cytokines are critical in regulating immune responses and cellular behavior, playing dual roles in both normal physiology and the pathology of diseases such as cancer. These molecules, including interleukins, interferons, tumor necrosis factors, chemokines, and growth factors like TGF-β, VEGF, and EGF, can promote or inhibit tumor growth, influence the tumor microenvironment, and impact the efficacy of cancer treatments. Recent advances in targeting these pathways have shown promising therapeutic potential, offering new strategies to modulate the immune system, inhibit tumor progression, and overcome resistance to conventional therapies. In this review, we summarized the current understanding and therapeutic implications of targeting cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways in cancer. By exploring the roles of these molecules in tumor biology and the immune response, we highlighted the development of novel therapeutic agents aimed at modulating these pathways to combat cancer. The review elaborated on the dual nature of cytokines as both promoters and suppressors of tumorigenesis, depending on the context, and discussed the challenges and opportunities this presents for therapeutic intervention. We also examined the latest advancements in targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, receptor inhibitors, fusion proteins, engineered cytokine variants, and their impact on tumor growth, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, we evaluated the potential of combining these targeted therapies with other treatment modalities to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes. Besides, we also focused on the ongoing research and clinical trials that are pivotal in advancing our understanding and application of cytokine- and chemokine-targeted therapies for cancer patients.

Targeted Photodynamic Therapy using a Vectorized Photosensitizer coupled to Folic Acid Analog induces Ovarian Tumor Cell Death and inhibits IL-6-mediated Inflammation

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal cancers among women. Frequent recurrence in the peritoneum due to the presence of microscopic tumor residues justifies the development of new therapies. Indeed, our main objective is to develop a targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis from OC to improve the life expectancy of cancer patients. Herein, we propose a targeted-PDT using a vectorized photosensitizer (PS) coupled with a newly folic acid analog (FAA), named PSFAA, in order to target folate receptor alpha (FRα) overexpressed on peritoneal metastasis. This PSFAA was the result of the coupling of pyropheophorbide-a (Pyro-a), as the PS, to a newly synthesized FAA via a polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer. The selectivity and the PDT efficacy of PSFAA was evaluated on two human OC cell lines overexpressing FRα compared to fibrosarcoma cells underexpressing FRα. Final PSFAA, including the synthesis of a newly FAA and its conjugation to Pyro-a, was obtained after 10 synthesis steps, with an overall yield of 19%. Photophysical properties of PSFAA in EtOH were performed and showed similarity with those of free Pyro-a, such as the fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields (Φf = 0.39 and ΦΔ = 0.53 for free Pyro-a, and Φf = 0.26 and ΦΔ = 0.41 for PSFAA). Any toxicity of PSFAA was noticed. After light illumination, a dose-dependent effect on PS concentration and light dose was shown. Furthermore, a PDT efficacy of PSFAA on OC cell secretome was detected inducing a decrease of a pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (IL-6). This new PSFAA has shown promising biological properties highlighting the selectivity of the therapy opening new perspectives in the treatment of a cancer in a therapeutic impasse.

IL-36 antagonism blunts the proliferation and migration of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

IL-36 is known to mediate inflammation and fibrosis. Nevertheless, IL-36 signalling axis has also been implicated in cancer, although understanding of exact contribution of IL-36 to cancer progression is very limited, partly due to existence of multiple IL-36 ligands with agonistic and antagonistic function. Here we explored the role of IL-36 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Firstly, we analyzed expression of IL-36 ligands and receptor and found that the expression of IL-36γ was significantly higher in head and neck cancer (HNSCC) than that of normal tissues, and that the high expression of IL-36γ predicted poor clinical outcomes. Secondly, we investigated the direct effect of IL-36γ on OSCC cells and found that IL-36γ stimulated proliferation of OSCC cells with high expression of IL-36R expression. Interestingly, IL-36γ also promoted migration of OSCC cells with low to high IL-36R expression. Critically, both proliferation and migration of OSCC cells induced by IL-36γ were abrogated by anti-IL-36R mAb. Fittingly, RNA sequence analysis revealed that IL-36γ regulated genes involved in cell cycle and cell division. In summary, our results showed that IL-36γ can be a tumor-promoting factor, and targeting of IL-36R signalling may be a beneficial targeted therapy for patients with abnormal IL-36 signalling.

Targeting interleukin-6 as a treatment approach for peritoneal carcinomatosis

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is a complex manifestation of abdominal cancers, with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Recent work identifying high concentrations of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its soluble receptor (sIL-6-Rα) in the peritoneal cavity of patients with PC has highlighted this pathway as an emerging potential therapeutic target. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the potential role of IL-6 in the development and progression of PC. We discuss mechansims by which the IL-6 pathway may contribute to peritoneal tumor dissemination, mesothelial adhesion and invasion, stromal invasion and proliferation, and immune response modulation. Finally, we review the prospects for targeting the IL-6 pathway in the treatment of PC, focusing on common sites of origin, including ovarian, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal and appendiceal cancer, and mesothelioma.

Immunoglobulins and serum proteins impair anti-tumor NK cell effector functions in malignant ascites

Introduction

Malignant ascites indicates ovarian cancer progression and predicts poor clinical outcome. Various ascites components induce an immunosuppressive crosstalk between tumor and immune cells, which is poorly understood. In our previous study, imbalanced electrolytes, particularly high sodium content in malignant ascites, have been identified as a main immunosuppressive mechanism that impaired NK and T-cell activity.

Methods

In the present study, we explored the role of high concentrations of ascites proteins and immunoglobulins on antitumoral NK effector functions. To this end, a coculture system consisting of healthy donor NK cells and ovarian cancer cells was used. The anti-EGFR antibody Cetuximab was added to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). NK activity was assessed in the presence of different patient ascites samples and immunoglobulins that were isolated from ascites.

Results

Overall high protein concentration in ascites impaired NK cell degranulation, conjugation to tumor cells, and intracellular calcium signaling. Immunoglobulins isolated from ascites samples competitively interfered with NK ADCC and inhibited the conjugation to target cells. Furthermore, downregulation of regulatory surface markers CD16 and DNAM-1 on NK cells was prevented by ascites-derived immunoglobulins during NK cell activation.

Conclusion

Our data show that high protein concentrations in biological fluids are able to suppress antitumoral activity of NK cells independent from the mechanism mediated by imbalanced electrolytes. The competitive interference between immunoglobulins of ascites and specific therapeutic antibodies could diminish the efficacy of antibody-based therapies and should be considered in antibody-based immunotherapies.

Navigating IL-6: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic breakthroughs

This concise review navigates the intricate realm of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), an important member of the cytokine family. Beginning with an introduction to cytokines, this narrative review unfolds with the historical journey of IL-6, illuminating its evolving significance. A crucial section unravels the three distinct signaling modes employed by IL-6, providing a foundational understanding of its versatile interactions within cellular landscapes. Moving deeper, the review meticulously dissects IL-6's signaling mechanisms, unraveling the complexities of its pleiotropic effects in both physiological responses and pathological conditions. A significant focus is dedicated to the essential role IL-6 plays in inflammatory diseases, offering insights into its associations and implications for various health conditions. The review also takes a therapeutic turn by exploring the emergence of anti-IL-6 monoclonal inhibitors, marking a profound stride in treatment modalities. Diving into the molecular realm, the review explores small molecules as agents for IL-6 inhibition, providing a nuanced perspective on diverse intervention strategies. As the review embarks on the final chapters, it contemplates future aspects, offering glimpses into potential research trajectories and the evolving landscape of IL-6-related studies.

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.

Scientific and clinical relevance of non-cellular tumor microenvironment components in ovarian cancer chemotherapy resistance

The tumor microenvironment (TME) components play a crucial role in cancer cells' resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. This phenomenon is exceptionally fundamental in patients with ovarian cancer (OvCa), whose outcome depends mainly on their response to chemotherapy. Until now, most reports have focused on the role of cellular components of the TME, while less attention has been paid to the stroma and other non-cellular elements of the TME, which may play an essential role in the therapy resistance. Inhibiting these components could help define new therapeutic targets and potentially restore chemosensitivity. The aim of the present article is both to summarize the knowledge about non-cellular components of the TME in the development of OvCa chemoresistance and to suggest targeting of non-cellular elements of the TME as a valuable strategy to overcome chemoresistance and to develop new therapeutic strategies in OvCA patients.

The prohibitin-binding compound fluorizoline induces the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-8 and interleukin-6 through the activation of JNK and p38 MAP kinases

Fluorizoline is a prohibitin (PHB)-binding compound that induces apoptosis in several cancer cell lines as well as in primary cells from hematologic malignancies. In this study, we show that fluorizoline treatment triggers the activation of the stress-activated kinases c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 prior to caspase activation in human cell lines. However, the blockage of p38 and JNK activity with chemical inhibitors or siRNA-mediated downregulation of MAPK14 (p38) does not prevent fluorizoline-induced apoptosis, suggesting that the activation of these kinases plays an alternative role in the cell response to fluorizoline treatment. Here, we describe that fluorizoline treatment leads to the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Importantly, we demonstrate that the activation of the stress-activated kinases JNK and p38 mediates the secretion of both IL-8 and IL-6. This study shows novel insights into the pro-inflammatory role exhibited by a compound that binds to PHB, thus supporting the potential of PHBs as anti-inflammatory proteins.

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.

The Effects of Natural Epigenetic Therapies in 3D Ovarian Cancer and Patient-Derived Tumor Explants: New Avenues in Regulating the Cancer Secretome

High mortality rates in ovarian cancer have been linked to recurrence, metastasis, and chemoresistant disease, which are known to involve not only genetic changes but also epigenetic aberrations. In ovarian cancer, adipose-derived stem cells from the omentum (O-ASCs) play a crucial role in supporting the tumor and its tumorigenic microenvironment, further propagating epigenetic abnormalities and dissemination of the disease. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor derived from green tea, and Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a histone deacetylase inhibitor from cruciferous vegetables, carry promising effects in reprograming aberrant epigenetic modifications in cancer. Therefore, we demonstrate the action of these diet-derived compounds in suppressing the growth of 3D ovarian cancer spheroids or organoids as well as post-treatment cancer recovery through proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation assays when compared to the synthetic epigenetic compound Panobinostat with or without standard chemotherapy. Finally, given the regulatory role of the secretome in growth, metastasis, chemoresistance, and relapse of disease, we demonstrate that natural epigenetic compounds can regulate the secretion of protumorigenic growth factors, cytokines, extracellular matrix components, and immunoregulatory markers in human ovarian cancer specimens. While further studies are needed, our results suggest that these treatments could be considered in the future as adjuncts to standard chemotherapy, improving efficiency and patient outcomes.

TBK1 promotes thyroid cancer progress by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

Introduction

Thyroid cancer has received increasing attention; however, its detailed pathogenesis and pathological processes remain unclear. We investigated the role of TANK‐binding kinase 1 (TBK1) in the progression of thyroid cancer.

Methods

The expression of TBK1 in thyroid cancer and normal control tissues was analyzed using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The function of TBK1 on thyroid cancer cells was detected using MTT, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays. The xenograft assay was carried out to check on the role of TBK1 in thyroid cancer.

Results

TBK1 was highly expressed in thyroid tumors. High expression of TBK1 raised viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of thyroid cancer cells. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that TBK1 activated the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. In addition, Myc‐associated zinc finger protein (MAZ) was overexpressed in thyroid cancer and transcriptionally activated BK1. MAZ silence reversed the effects of TBK1 overexpression on thyroid cancer progression. Cotransfection with MAZ small‐interfering RNA(siRNA) and TBK1 siRNA did not strengthen the inhibitory effect of TBK1 silencing on the thyroid cancer cells. The xenograft tumor assay showed that TBK1 short hairpinRNA inhibited tumor growth.

Conclusion

MAZ silencing inhibited tumor progress of thyroid cancer cells, whereas this inhibitory effect was reversed by TBK1 overexpression.

Interleukin 8 in plasma is an efficacy marker for advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy and PD-1 blockade

BACKGROUND

Programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade promotes combination therapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) and chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy improves the outcome of prognosis in advanced NSCLC, while effective biomarkers to follow prognostic efficacy are still to be found.

METHODS

We enrolled 44 NSCLC patients with HFRT combined with PD-1 blockade, 13 patients with chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy, additionally collected tissue samples from 8 patients with earlystage NSCLC without therapy, and peripheral whole blood from 16 healthy donors, detected the expression differences of cytokines Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 8 (IL-8) and Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) in the peripheral plasma and tissues by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and tumor-infiltrating T cells with recombinant human IL-8 in vitro to observe the changes of immune memory T cell subtypes and apoptosis.

RESULTS

Our results show that IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17A are highly expressed in advanced NSCLC, high levels of IL-8 are significantly associated with poor prognosis in advanced NSCLC patients treated with HFRT + PD1 blockade, high circulating IL-8 in NSCLC increased apoptosis of effector memory RA (TemRA; CD45RA⁺CCR7^-) T cell subsets and CD8⁺ T cell subsets in tissues, resulting in decreased peripheral TemRA and stem cell-like memory T cells (TSCM: CD45RA ⁺CCR7 ⁺ CD95 ⁺) in tissue.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that IL-8 can impair immune memory function in NSCLC. It is a useful biomarker to evaluate the efficacy of HFRT + PD1 blockade in advanced NSCLC. Further exploration of easily available plasma biomarkers for personalized treatment of NSCLC is required.

The Role of IL-6 in Cancer Cell Invasiveness and Metastasis-Overview and Therapeutic Opportunities

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) belongs to a broad class of cytokines involved in the regulation of various homeostatic and pathological processes. These activities range from regulating embryonic development, wound healing and ageing, inflammation, and immunity, including COVID-19. In this review, we summarise the role of IL-6 signalling pathways in cancer biology, with particular emphasis on cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis formation. Targeting principal components of IL-6 signalling (e.g., IL-6Rs, gp130, STAT3, NF-κB) is an intensively studied approach in preclinical cancer research. It is of significant translational potential; numerous studies strongly imply the remarkable potential of IL-6 signalling inhibitors, especially in metastasis suppression.

Autoimmunity, cancer and COVID-19 abnormally activate wound healing pathways: critical role of inflammation

Recent evidence indicates that targeting IL-6 provides broad therapeutic approaches to several diseases. In patients with cancer, autoimmune diseases, severe respiratory infections [e.g. coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)] and wound healing, IL-6 plays a critical role in modulating the systemic and local microenvironment. Elevated serum levels of IL-6 interfere with the systemic immune response and are associated with disease progression and prognosis. As already noted, monoclonal antibodies blocking either IL-6 or binding of IL-6 to receptors have been used/tested successfully in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, many cancer types, and COVID-19. Therefore, in the present review, we compare the impact of IL-6 and anti-IL-6 therapy to demonstrate common (pathological) features of the studied diseases such as formation of granulation tissue with the presence of myofibroblasts and deposition of new extracellular matrix. We also discuss abnormal activation of other wound-healing-related pathways that have been implicated in autoimmune disorders, cancer or COVID-19.