Protumor vs antitumor functions of IL-17

J Immunol. 2009 Oct 1;183(7):4169-75. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.0901017.

Abstract

Inflammation appears to be a necessity for both metastasis and elimination of tumor cells. IL-17, a proinflammatory cytokine produced by Th17 cells, contributes to both the processes by playing a dual role in the antitumor immunity. On one hand, IL-17 promotes an antitumor cytotoxic T cell response leading to tumor regression. On the other hand, by facilitating angiogenesis and egress of tumor cells from the primary focus, IL-17 promotes tumor growth. Thus, the therapeutic application that uses IL-17 needs to be refined by minimizing its protumor functions.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-17 / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-17 / physiology*
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukin-17