Differentiation and immune regulation of IL-9-producing CD4+ T cells in malignant pleural effusion

IL-9-producing CD4(+) T cells (Th9 cells) have been reported to be involved in inflammation and immune diseases. However, the involvement of Th9 cells in malignancy has not been investigated.

To elucidate the mechanism by which Th9 cells differentiate in malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and to explore the immune regulation of Th9 cells on lung cancer cells.

Distribution of Th9 cells in relation to Th17 and Th1 cells in both MPE and blood were determined. The effects and mechanisms of proinflammatory cytokines and regulatory T cells on differentiation of Th9 cells in vitro were explored. The impacts and signal transductions of IL-9, IL-17, and IFN-γ on lung cancer cell lines were also investigated.

The numbers of Th9, Th17, and Th1 cells were all increased in MPE when compared with blood. The increase in Th9 cells in MPE was due to the promotion by cytokines and regulatory T cells. By activating STAT3 signaling, both IL-9 and IL-17 substantially promoted the proliferation and migratory activity of lung cancer cells, whereas IFN-γ, which activated STAT1 signaling, was noted to suppress lung cancer cell proliferation and migration. IFN-γ could induce lung cancer cell apoptosis. Moreover, IL-9 and IFN-γ, but not IL-17, could strongly facilitate intercellular adhesion of lung cancer cells to pleural mesothelial cell monolayers.

Our data revealed that Th9 cells were increased in MPE and that Th9 cells exerted an important immune regulation on lung cancer cells in human tumor environment.