Interleukins in cancer: from biology to therapy

This Review provides an update of interleukins in tumour biology, covering the milestones of the latest discoveries of interleukin-related mechanisms in cancer, together with their application in clinical practice. It includes an overview of current clinical trials and breakthrough preclinical concepts. Interleukins and associated cytokines serve as the means of communication for innate and adaptive immune cells as well as non-immune cells and tissues. Thus, interleukins have a critical role in cancer development, progression and control. Interleukins can nurture an environment enabling and favouring cancer growth while simultaneously being essential for a productive tumour-directed immune response. These properties of interleukins can be exploited to improve immunotherapies to promote effectiveness as well as to limit side effects. This Review aims to unravel some of these complex interactions.

Automated summary

This article provides an update on the role of interleukins in tumor biology, highlighting their significance in cancer development, progression, and immunotherapy. Interleukins can both promote cancer growth and enhance tumor-directed immune responses, making them a valuable target for improving treatment effectiveness and reducing side effects.