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Double-edged effects of interferons on the regulation of cancer-immunity cycle

Xiao Zhang1,2, Song Wang2, Yuanyuan Zhu2

  • 1Department of Stomatology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.

Oncoimmunology
|July 15, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines with dual roles in cancer immunity, sometimes aiding therapy but also potentially hindering eradication. This review explores how IFNs impact the cancer-immunity cycle.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines crucial for innate and adaptive immunity.
  • IFNs exhibit anti-cancer effects and enhance cancer therapy efficacy.
  • However, IFNs can also impede cancer eradication and promote immune escape, displaying a dual role.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of interferons (IFNs) in cancer immunity.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which IFNs regulate the cancer-immunity cycle.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on Interferons (IFNs) and cancer immunity.
  • Analysis of recent studies on IFN signaling in the context of the cancer-immunity cycle.

Main Results:

  • IFNs modulate all stages of the cancer-immunity cycle, from antigen release to tumor cell killing.
  • IFN signaling is critical for both promoting and potentially inhibiting anti-cancer immune responses.
  • Understanding these dual effects is key to optimizing cancer immunotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • Interferons possess a complex, double-edged effect on the cancer immune response.
  • IFNs significantly influence each step of the cancer-immunity cycle.
  • Further research into IFN functions can refine cancer treatment strategies.
Keywords:
Interferoncancer immunitycancer immunotherapycancer-immunity cycle

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