The antitumor mechanism of cytokines. (IMAGE)

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The antitumor mechanism of cytokines.

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Cytokines contribute to the antitumor response through several key pathways and interactions with different immune cells. These include the following: (a) Natural killer (NK) cells: Cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-12, and IL-15 activate NK cells. Activated NK cells then release perforin and granzyme, which induce apoptosis in tumor cells. (b) Natural killer T (NKT) cells: These cells also release perforin in response to cytokines, contributing to the direct killing of tumor cells. (c) γδ T cells: Similar to NK and NKT cells, γδ T cells release perforin and granzyme to target and kill tumor cells. (d) Immature dendritic cells: Cytokines activate immature dendritic cells, which then mature and present tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) to other immune cells, enhancing the adaptive immune response. (e) Mature dendritic cells: These cells facilitate the activation of B cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD4+ T cells through antigen presentation. This activation leads to antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), cytotoxic effects, and a Th1 response, all of which contribute to the antitumor immune response. (f) M1 tumor-associated macrophages (M1-TAMs): Cytokines like IFN-γ and IL-1 activate M1-TAMs, which then engage in phagocytosis of tumor cells and secrete factors that promote inflammation and further immune activation. (g) Neutrophils (N1-TANs): These cells, activated by IL-8 and other cytokines, also participate in phagocytosis and contribute to the destruction of tumor cells. Overall, cytokines orchestrate a multifaceted immune response involving various cell types, enhancing both the innate and adaptive immune systems’ ability to target and eliminate tumor cells. Abbreviations: ADCC, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity; CD4+ T cell, CD4-positive T cell; CD8+ T cell, CD8-positive T cell; DCs, dendritic cells; IFN-γ, interferon gamma; IL-1, interleukin-1; IL-8, interleukin-8; IL-12, interleukin-12; IL-15, interleukin-15; M1-TAMs, M1 tumor-associated macrophages; N1-TANs, N1 tumor-associated neutrophils; NK cells, natural killer cells; NKT cells, natural killer T cells; TAAs, tumor-associated antigens; Th1, T helper 1; γδ T cells, gamma delta T cells.

Credit

Yaxuan Wang, Anqi Lin, Zaoqu Liu, Quan Cheng, Jian Zhang, and Peng Luo

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