IL-22: A key inflammatory mediator as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target for lung cancer

Lung cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, stands as the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. As is well-known, the utmost crucial risk factor contributing to lung cancer is smoking. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in treating lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, the absence of effective and accurate biomarkers for diagnosing and treating lung cancer remains a pressing issue. Interleukin 22 (IL-22) is a member of the IL-10 cytokine family. It exerts biological functions (including induction of proliferation and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways, enhancement of tissue regeneration and immunity defense) by binding to heterodimeric receptors containing type 1 receptor chain (R1) and type 2 receptor chain (R2). IL-22 has been identified as a pro-cancer factor since dysregulation of the IL-22-IL-22R system has been implicated in the development of different cancers, including lung, breast, gastric, pancreatic, and colon cancers. In this review, we discuss the differential expression, regulatory role, and potential clinical significance of IL-22 in lung cancer, while shedding light on innovative approaches for the future.