IL-36 α inhibits melanoma by inducing pro-inflammatory polarization of macrophages

In this study, it was demonstrated that IL-36α could activate the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in macrophages, leading to the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL5 and iNOS. Importantly, IL-36α has significant antitumor effects, altering the tumor microenvironment and promoting the infiltration of MHC IIhigh macrophages and CD8+ T cells while decreasing the levels of monocyte myeloid-derived suppressor cells, CD4+ T cells and regulatory T cells. This ultimately results in the inhibition of tumor growth and migration. Furthermore, IL-36 α synergized with the PD-L1 antibody increased the immune cells infiltration and enhanced the anti-tumor effect of the PD-L1 antibody on melanoma. Collectively, this study reveals a new role for IL-36α in promoting anti-tumor immune responses in macrophages and suggests its potential for cancer im munotherapy.
Source: Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research