Investigation of the Immunomodulatory Effect of Quinoline Derivatives with Antitumor Activity

In the last two decades, quinoline derivatives have garnered significant attention for their anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. These compounds have shown potential in modulating inflammatory responses, which are often implicated in cancer progression. This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects and anti-migratory properties of three novel quinoline derivatives in THP-1-derived macrophage-like cells.

Macrophage-like cells derived from the THP-1 cell line were treated with three quinoline derivatives (3c, 3d, and 3e). The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10 were measured. Additionally, the compounds' effects on the expression of migration- related genes and their ability to inhibit cell migration were assessed.

Treatment with quinoline derivatives led to a significant reduction in TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression, particularly with compounds 3c and 3d. In contrast, compound 3e induced a weaker response in proinflammatory cytokine suppression but notably elevated IL-10 levels. Furthermore, all three compounds demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of cell migration, with compound 3c showing the most substantial effect and pronounced changes in migration-related gene expression.

The tested quinoline derivatives exhibit promising immunomodulatory and anti-migratory activities. Compound 3c, in particular, emerged as a strong candidate for further investigation due to its robust antiinflammatory and migration-inhibitory effects.

These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of quinoline derivatives in managing inflammation- associated cancer progression.