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Tocilizumab Mitigates Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Colitis and Inhibits Tumor Growth by Targeting the
Yanxin Chen1, Yong Wang1, Ying Hu1
1Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
|April 29, 2026
Summary
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can cause colitis. Targeting the IL-6-JAK2-STAT3 pathway with tocilizumab reduced inflammation and slowed tumor growth in a mouse model.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are crucial cancer therapies.
- Intestinal adverse effects, such as colitis, limit ICI efficacy and patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenesis of PD-1 inhibitor-induced colitis.
- To explore tocilizumab as a therapeutic strategy for ICI-associated colitis and tumor growth.
Main Methods:
- Established a mouse model of PD-1 inhibitor-induced colitis.
- Employed RNA sequencing, scRNA-seq analysis, HE staining, IHC, ELISA, WB, and in vivo imaging.
- Assessed tumor cell function and inflammatory markers.
Main Results:
- IL-6 was significantly upregulated in the colitis model.
- The IL-6-JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway was enriched.
- Tocilizumab treatment reduced colonic inflammation and tumor growth.
Conclusions:
- Tocilizumab may attenuate PD-1 inhibitor-associated colitis by targeting the IL-6-JAK2-STAT3 pathway.
- Tocilizumab demonstrated potential for coinhibiting tumor growth alongside reducing colitis.
- Findings offer new insights for clinical management of ICI-induced side effects.
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