title: Cytokine stimulation of epithelial cancer cells: the similar and divergent functions of IL-4 and IL-13.
abstract: The Th2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and -13 are acknowledged regulators of lymphocyte proliferation and activation. They have also been well studied in the regulation of various myeloid-derived populations in tumor biology. It has become clear, however, that both cytokines can have direct effects on epithelial tumor cells expressing appropriate receptors. Changes in tumor proliferation, survival, and metastatic capability have all been ascribed to IL-4 and/or IL-13 action. Here, we evaluate the evidence to support direct tumor-promoting roles of these cytokines. We also identify the questions that should be addressed before proceeding with therapeutic approaches based on neutralization of IL-4 or IL-13 pathways.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
authors.forename: Miranda A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Hallett
authors.forename: Katherine T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Venmar
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fingleton
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D018793:Interleukin-13 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009375:Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D053660:Receptors, Interleukin-13 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D019948:Receptors, Interleukin-4 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D018793:Interleukin-13; D053660:Receptors, Interleukin-13; D019948:Receptors, Interleukin-4; D015847:Interleukin-4