The Mechanism of Action of IL-2 in the Tumor Microenvironment and its Application in Melanoma

Abstract

Cancer, the leading cause of death worldwide, causes a large number of deaths each year and this number is expected to increase with the aging of the population. In this context, it has become particularly important to study and understand in depth the role of cytokines in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cytokines, particularly interleukin 2 (IL-2), are key regulators of the human immune system and play a pivotal role in the TME.IL-2 plays a crucial role in regulating immune cell proliferation, differentiation, and function, thereby influencing the body's immune response to tumors. However, signaling by IL-2 and its receptor (IL-2R) may be dysregulated in TME, and this dysregulation has profound effects on tumor growth and anti-tumor immune responses. Specifically, dysregulated IL-2 signaling may promote tumor growth and spread while suppressing the body's immune response to the tumor. Translated with DeepL.com (free version) This review summarizes the mechanism of IL-2 and its signal pathway in the TME according to the current popular clinical research object. Based on the side effects of IL-2 during clinical application (such as short half-life and toxicity of high doses of IL-2), this article introduces a new strategy for developing IL-2-cytokine immunotherapy in melanoma treatment. Together, this work aims to provide readers with a timely view of the field of engineered IL-2, highlighting a more promising avenue for future research and development.