The role of IL17 in cancer progression

Yanqin Chen

doi:10.54097/bw9x3h56

Authors

Yanqin Chen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/bw9x3h56

Keywords:

IL-17 cytokine, Cancer, Tumor microenvironment (TME).

Abstract

The interleukin-17 (IL-17) family comprises a class of cytokines that are essential regulators within the immune system. Recent evidence indicates that IL-17A and IL-17F exert complex and often opposing influences on tumor initiation and progression. These cytokines activate signaling cascades—including NF-κB, MAPK, and STAT3—via the IL-17RA/RC receptor complex, thereby modulating the production of inflammatory mediators, chemokines, and matrix-degrading enzymes. In contrast, IL-17F has been reported to provide protective effects in certain malignancies, such as colorectal cancer, suggesting that it has the function of tissue specificity. Additional family members, including IL-17B, IL-17C, and IL-17E (also known as IL-25), also play important but contradictory roles in tumor progression. Numerous studies have suggested that IL-17 signaling facilitates cancer progression not only by forming a chronic inflammatory microenvironment but also by enhancing invasion and metastasis through mechanisms such as maintaining cancer stem cell characteristics, recruiting immunosuppressive cells, and synergizing with growth factor signals. However, under specific circumstances, IL-17 may mediate anti-tumor actions by inducing cell pyroptosis or enhancing anti-tumor immune responses. This duality makes IL-17 both a potential driving force for cancer occurrence and development and an immunotherapy target with promising application prospects. This article systematically reviews the roles and mechanisms of the IL-17 family across different cancer types, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and research directions for future IL-17-related anti-cancer immunotherapy.

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