IL-22BP controls the progression of liver metastasis in colorectal cancer
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Updated: Jul 26, 2025
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Published on: September 3, 2021
Anastasios D Giannou1,2,3,4, Jan Kempski1,2,5, Tao Zhang1,2
1Section of Molecular Immunology und Gastroenterology, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Background:
The immune system plays a pivotal role in cancer progression. Interleukin 22 binding protein (IL-22BP), a natural antagonist of the cytokine interleukin 22 (IL-22) has been shown to control the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the role of IL-22BP in the process of metastasis formation remains unknown.
Methods:
We used two different murine in vivo metastasis models using the MC38 and LLC cancer cell lines and studied lung and liver metastasis formation after intracaecal or intrasplenic injection of cancer cells. Furthermore, IL22BP expression was measured in a clinical cohort of CRC patients and correlated with metastatic tumor stages.
Results:
Our data indicate that low levels of IL-22BP are associated with advanced (metastatic) tumor stages in colorectal cancer. Using two different murine in vivo models we show that IL-22BP indeed controls the progression of liver but not lung metastasis in mice.
Conclusions:
We here demonstrate a crucial role of IL-22BP in controlling metastasis progression. Thus, IL-22 might represent a future therapeutic target against the progression of metastatic CRC.
Insights
Interleukin 22 binding protein (IL-22BP) is crucial for controlling colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. Low IL-22BP levels correlate with advanced CRC, and IL-22BP impacts liver metastasis progression in mice.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The immune system significantly influences cancer progression.
- Interleukin 22 binding protein (IL-22BP), an antagonist of interleukin 22 (IL-22), regulates colorectal cancer (CRC) progression.
- The specific role of IL-22BP in metastasis formation is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of IL-22BP in colorectal cancer metastasis.
- To determine the association between IL-22BP expression and metastatic CRC stages in patients.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two distinct murine in vivo metastasis models (MC38 and LLC cell lines).
- Assessed lung and liver metastasis formation following cancer cell injection.
- Measured IL22BP expression in a clinical CRC cohort and correlated it with metastatic tumor stages.
Main Results:
- Low IL-22BP levels are linked to advanced, metastatic tumor stages in colorectal cancer.
- In vivo studies demonstrated that IL-22BP controls liver metastasis progression in mice.
- IL-22BP did not significantly affect lung metastasis progression in the studied models.
Conclusions:
- IL-22BP plays a critical role in regulating metastasis progression in colorectal cancer.
- IL-22 presents a potential future therapeutic target for managing metastatic CRC progression.
