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Published on: September 9, 2021
Targeting the tumor microenvironment: JAK-STAT3 signaling
Eirini Bournazou1, Jacqueline Bromberg
1Department of Medicine; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC); New York, NY USA.
Abstract:
Persistent JAK-STAT3 signaling is implicated in many aspects of tumorigenesis. Apart from its tumor-intrinsic effects, STAT3 also exerts tumor-extrinsic effects, supporting tumor survival and metastasis. These involve the regulation of paracrine cytokine signaling, alterations in metastatic sites rendering these permissive for the growth of cancer cells and subversion of host immune responses to create an immunosuppressive environment. Targeting this signaling pathway is considered a novel promising therapeutic approach, especially in the context of tumor immunity. In this article, we will review to what extent JAK-STAT3-targeted therapies affect the tumor microenvironment and whether the observed effects underlie responsiveness to therapy.
Insights
Targeting the JAK-STAT3 pathway impacts tumor microenvironment and immunity. Therapies targeting this pathway may enhance anti-cancer responses by modulating tumor-extrinsic effects and immune suppression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Persistent Janus Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (JAK-STAT3) signaling drives tumorigenesis through intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms.
- STAT3 influences tumor survival, metastasis, and immune evasion by regulating cytokine signaling and altering metastatic sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of JAK-STAT3-targeted therapies on the tumor microenvironment.
- To determine if these effects correlate with therapeutic responsiveness, particularly in the context of tumor immunity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating JAK-STAT3-targeted therapies.
- Analysis of the impact of these therapies on tumor-extrinsic factors and the tumor microenvironment.
- Evaluation of the relationship between observed effects and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- JAK-STAT3 inhibition can modulate paracrine cytokine signaling within the tumor microenvironment.
- Targeted therapies may reverse immune suppression and enhance anti-tumor immune responses.
- Observed alterations in the tumor microenvironment are linked to improved therapeutic efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the JAK-STAT3 pathway represents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer.
- Modulation of the tumor microenvironment and immune response are key mechanisms underlying the efficacy of these therapies.
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