The IL-17/IL-23 axis of inflammation in cancer: friend or foe?
IL-17, a proinflammatory cytokine that is regulated by IL-23, is crucial for the development of a novel CD4+ T-cell subset called T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, which promotes tissue inflammation in host defense responses against infection, as well as in chronic autoimmune diseases. IL-17 and IL-23 expression, as well as the presence of Th17 cells, have been documented in several human carcinomas, but their function in tumors remains controversial. This review summarizes the current literature on IL-17, IL-23 and Th17 cells in human tumors and animal models of cancer, discussing their possible roles in cancer development and cancer immunity, and presenting a personal perspective of this research area.
Martin-Orozco
Natalia
N
MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Immunology, 7455 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Dong
Chen
C
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D053759:Interleukin-23 / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
D020381:Interleukin-17; D053759:Interleukin-23