Interleukin-11 promotes lung adenocarcinoma tumourigenesis and immune evasion

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) has emerged as a significant player in tumourigenesis, with implications across various cancer types. However, its specific role in driving tumour progression in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains elusive. IL-11's multifaceted impact on both tumour cells and the tumour microenvironment underscores its potential as a therapeutic target in LUAD. This study aims to unravel the involvement of IL-11 in LUAD progression and its influence on the tumour microenvironment.

Here, we used transcriptomic and digital spatial profiling analyses together with clinic data from two retrospective LUAD patient cohorts. LUAD cell lines genetically engineered to overexpress or to silence IL-11 or its receptor (IL-11RA) were used for in vitro functional analysis and for in vivo experiments. Additionally, we used three different in vivo models: patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), tobacco-exposed mice and genetically engineered mouse models. A neutralising monoclonal antibody against IL-11RA was produced and tested.

Our findings revealed a pivotal role for IL-11 in driving tumourigenesis across various mouse models, highlighting its capacity to modulate tumour immunity towards an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Moreover, we observed a correlation between IL-11 expression and poorer patient outcomes in LUAD. Notably, therapeutic targeting of IL-11RA with a neutralising antibody demonstrated significant anti-tumour efficacy in a PDX model.

The IL-11/IL-11RA axis emerges as a critical driver of LUAD tumourigenesis, exerting its effects through enhanced tumour cell proliferation and remodelling of the tumour microenvironment. Our study highlights the therapeutic potential of disrupting this axis, suggesting that patients exhibiting elevated IL-11 levels may benefit from therapies targeting the IL-11/IL-11RA pathway.