IL-35

Definition

IL-35 is a cytokine that belongs to the interleukin-12 family, primarily produced by regulatory T cells (Tregs) and some B cells. This cytokine plays a vital role in immune modulation, particularly in promoting immune tolerance and inhibiting anti-tumor responses, making it an important player in mechanisms of tumor immune evasion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IL-35 has immunosuppressive properties, which help tumors evade detection and destruction by the immune system.
2. This cytokine inhibits the proliferation and activity of effector T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, leading to reduced anti-tumor immunity.
3. IL-35 is involved in the expansion of Tregs, which further enhances its ability to suppress anti-tumor responses.
4. High levels of IL-35 in tumors have been associated with poor patient prognosis and reduced survival rates in various cancers.
5. Targeting IL-35 may represent a therapeutic strategy to enhance anti-tumor immunity by reversing its immunosuppressive effects.

Review Questions

• How does IL-35 contribute to tumor immune evasion, particularly through its effects on Tregs?
  • IL-35 contributes to tumor immune evasion by promoting the expansion and activation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are key players in maintaining immune tolerance. By increasing the number of Tregs, IL-35 helps create an immunosuppressive environment that inhibits effector T cell activity and reduces anti-tumor responses. This mechanism allows tumors to escape immune detection and destruction, enabling their growth and persistence.
• Discuss the potential implications of high IL-35 levels in tumor microenvironments for cancer treatment strategies.
  • High levels of IL-35 in tumor microenvironments suggest a significant role in promoting immune suppression and tumor progression. This indicates that targeting IL-35 could be a promising strategy for cancer treatments aimed at enhancing anti-tumor immunity. By inhibiting IL-35's function or blocking its signaling pathways, therapies could potentially restore the activity of effector T cells and NK cells, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes in cancer patients.
• Evaluate the role of IL-35 as a biomarker for prognosis in cancer patients and its potential as a therapeutic target.
  • IL-35 serves as a significant biomarker for prognosis in cancer patients due to its association with poor survival rates and disease progression. The presence of high IL-35 levels correlates with increased immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment, indicating that it may facilitate tumor growth. As a therapeutic target, inhibiting IL-35 could not only improve patient outcomes but also enhance existing therapies by counteracting its immunosuppressive effects, thereby revitalizing the body's ability to mount an effective anti-tumor response.

Related terms

Cytokine: A broad category of small proteins important in cell signaling that affect the behavior of cells and their interactions with the immune system.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs): A subset of T cells that modulate the immune response, maintaining tolerance to self-antigens and preventing autoimmune diseases.

Tumor Microenvironment: The environment surrounding a tumor, including immune cells, blood vessels, and signaling molecules that can influence tumor growth and immune evasion.