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Increased cytokine secretion in head and neck cancer upon p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation

Christine Riebe1, Ralph Pries, Andrea Kemkers

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany.

International Journal of Molecular Medicine
|November 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) involves impaired immune function. This study shows that activating MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase p38 in HNSCC decreases cell proliferation and increases IL-6 and IL-8 cytokine secretion.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent cancer associated with suppressed immune functions.
  • The specific signal transduction pathways driving immune suppression in HNSCC remain largely unidentified.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase p38 signaling in HNSCC.
  • To elucidate the impact of p38 activation on HNSCC cell behavior and cytokine secretion.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of MAP kinase p38 phosphorylation levels in HNSCC cell lines and tumor tissues via flow cytometry and SDS-PAGE.
  • Quantification of cytokine secretion (IL-6, IL-8) using the Cytometric Bead Array Flex Set system.
  • Induction of p38 activation using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate.

Main Results:

  • MAP kinase p38 was activated in HNSCC models.
  • p38 activation led to reduced HNSCC cell proliferation.
  • Increased secretion of cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 was observed following p38 activation.

Conclusions:

  • MAP kinase p38 signaling plays a significant role in modulating the HNSCC microenvironment.
  • Understanding these molecular mechanisms offers potential for new therapeutic strategies and improved clinical outcomes for HNSCC patients.

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