IL-17 induces EMT via Stat3 in lung adenocarcinoma

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a vital role in lung inflammatory diseases, including lung cancer. However, the role and mechanism of action of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17 in EMT in lung adenocarcinoma remain unresolved. In our study, we discovered that the expression of N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail1, Snail2, and Twist1 was positively correlated with IL-17 expression, while E-cadherin expression was negatively correlated with IL-17 expression in human lung adenocarcinoma tissues. Moreover, we confirmed that IL-17 promoted EMT in A549 and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells in vitro by upregulating N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail1, Snail2, and Twist1 expression and downregulating E-cadherin expression. Stat3 was activated in IL-17-treated A549 and LLC cells, and Stat3 inhibition or siRNA knockdown notably reduced IL-17-induced EMT in A549 and LLC cells. Thus, IL-17 promotes EMT in lung adenocarcinoma via Stat3 signaling; these observations suggest that targeting IL-17 and EMT are potential novel therapeutic strategies for lung cancer.