IL-29 Exhibits Anti-Tumor Effect on Pan-48 Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Up-regulation of P21 and Bax
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Updated: Jan 22, 2026
Flow Cytometry-Based Isolation and Therapeutic Evaluation of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in a Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer
Published on: January 17, 2025
Dean Balabanov1, Lei Zhao2, Ziwen Zhu3
1Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, U.S.A.
Background/Aim:
Pancreatic cancer is the most lethal cancer of the digestive system. IL-29 is a new member of the IFNλ family and well-known for its strong antiviral activity. However, its direct effect on pancreatic cancer is still unclear. This study was performed to investigate if IL-29 has any direct effect on Pan-48 pancreatic cancer cells.
Materials And Methods:
Clonogenic survival assay, cell proliferation, and caspase-3 activity kits were used to evaluate the effects of IL-29 on cell survival, proliferation, and apoptosis of Pan-48 pancreatic cancer cells. RT-PCR and IHC were subsequently performed to explore IL-29's potential molecular mechanisms.
Results:
The percentage of colonies of Pan-48 cells was decreased following the addition of IL-29. This was consistent with a decreased optical density (OD) value of cancer cells. Furthermore, the relative caspase-3 activity in cancer cells was increased after the addition of IL-29, indicating increased apoptosis of cancer cells. The anti-proliferative effect of IL-29 on cancer cells correlated with increased expression of the anti-proliferative molecule p21. The pro-apoptotic effect of IL-29 on cancer cells correlated with an increased expression of the pro-apoptotic molecule Bax.
Conclusion:
IL-29 constrains Pan-48 pancreatic cell growth via up-regulation of p21 and Bax. Our study suggests a potential use of IL-29 in immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Insights
Interleukin-29 (IL-29) inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth and promotes apoptosis by upregulating p21 and Bax. This suggests IL-29
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal digestive system malignancy.
- Interferon lambda-4 (IL-29) exhibits potent antiviral properties.
- The direct impact of IL-29 on pancreatic cancer remains largely uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the direct effects of IL-29 on Pan-48 pancreatic cancer cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying IL-29's action in pancreatic cancer.
Main Methods:
- Cell viability was assessed using clonogenic survival assays and optical density measurements.
- Apoptosis was evaluated by measuring caspase-3 activity.
- Gene expression of p21 and Bax was analyzed using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Main Results:
- IL-29 significantly reduced Pan-48 cell survival and proliferation.
- IL-29 treatment led to increased caspase-3 activity, indicating enhanced apoptosis.
- IL-29 upregulated the expression of p21 (anti-proliferative) and Bax (pro-apoptotic) molecules.
Conclusions:
- IL-29 effectively inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth through the upregulation of p21 and Bax.
- IL-29 demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
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