Mobile website
Expert Forum
IL-12 family cytokines: Hot key molecules in tumor immunotherapy
- Article
- Figures
- Metrics
- Preview PDF
- Reference
- Related
- Cited by
- Materials
Abstract:
Cytokines, which can improve the host immunity and hamper the immune escape of tumor cells, have become an important strategy for tumor biotherapy. Interleukin (IL)-12 cytokine family is composed of heterodimeric cytokines, including IL-12, IL-23, IL-27 and IL-35; they are produced by antigen-presenting cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells and play critical roles in the differentiation of helper T (Th) cells. IL-12 induces IFN-γ production through activating signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 4 signaling pathway and enhances cellular immune response; IL-27 augments cellular and humoral immune responses through activating STAT1 pathway; exogenous IL-23 can produce anti-tumor effects, while endogenous IL-23 induces the production of IL-17 by activating STAT3, promoting development and progress of tumors; and IL-35 may be a potential immunosuppressive cytokine. In summary, IL-12 cytokine family plays distinct roles in anti-tumor immune responses and has become a focus of study in the research and immune therapy of tumors.
Keywords:
Project Supported:
Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30772752), and the National Key Technology Support Foundation during “Eleventh Five-Year Plan” of China (No. 2006BAI02A07)
Clc Number:
