Up for Mischief? IL-17/Th17 in the tumour microenvironment

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-17-producing T helper 17 (Th17) cells are increasingly recognized for their complex roles in cancer.
• Existing literature suggests Th17 cells and IL-17 can promote or inhibit tumor development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biological activities of Th17 cells and IL-17 in the context of cancer.
• To outline the interactions between Th17 cells and other immune cells within the tumor microenvironment.
• To discuss the dual role of Th17 cells and IL-17 in tumor progression and suppression.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating IL-17 and Th17 cells in cancer.
• Analysis of immune cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment.
• Synthesis of evidence on the pro- and anti-tumorigenic functions of Th17 cells and IL-17.

Main Results:

• Th17 cells and IL-17 exhibit context-dependent pro- and anti-tumorigenic activities.
• Reciprocal interactions between Th17 cells and other immune cells modulate the tumor microenvironment.
• The specific role of Th17 cells and IL-17 is influenced by various regulatory processes.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of Th17 cell and IL-17 regulation is crucial for advancing cancer immunotherapy.
• Targeting Th17 cell-mediated pathways holds potential for developing novel cancer treatments.
• Further research into the dual role of IL-17 in cancer is warranted for therapeutic development.