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IL6 Signaling in Peripheral Blood T Cells Predicts Clinical Outcome in Breast Cancer
Lei Wang1, Andrea K Miyahira1, Diana L Simons1
1Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California.
Cancer Research
|November 24, 2016
Summary
Impaired interleukin-6 (IL6) signaling in T cells of breast cancer patients hinders anti-tumor immunity and predicts poor survival. Restoring IL6 signaling may improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Interleukin-6 (IL6) is a cytokine with dual roles in inflammation and cancer.
- Elevated IL6 correlates with poor cancer patient survival, often attributed to direct effects on cancer cells.
- The impact of IL6 on the host immune response in cancer remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of IL6 signaling in peripheral blood T cells of breast cancer patients.
- To determine if IL6 signaling in T cells impacts clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of IL6 signaling pathways in peripheral blood T cells from breast cancer patients.
- Assessment of T helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation.
- Correlation of IL6 signaling defects with relapse-free survival.
Main Results:
- IL6 signaling response in T cells is impaired in breast cancer patients.
- Impaired IL6 signaling is linked to reduced Th17 differentiation.
- Downregulation of gp130 and IL6 receptor alpha (IL6Rα) mediates this defect, independent of plasma IL6.
- Defective T cell IL6 signaling at diagnosis correlates with worse relapse-free survival.
Conclusions:
- Intact IL6 signaling in T cells is crucial for controlling cancer progression.
- IL6 signaling response in T cells may serve as a predictive biomarker for breast cancer patient outcomes.
