The role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of malignant neoplasms

Abstract

The paper analyzes the literature data on the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of malignant neoplasms (MN). Cytokines are biologically active, hormone-like proteins that regulate a wide range of processes occurring in the body. Cytokines determine the type and duration of the immune response, stimulation or suppression of cell growth, their differentiation, and functional activity. The complex of cytokines produced in the tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the pathogenesis of MN. The spectra of biological activities of cytokines overlap in most cases. The same process in a cell can be stimulated by more than one cytokine, creating a favorable environment for the initiation and progression of MN. The immune system can recognize transformed cells. Various cytokines correspond to specifc pathways activated by receptors on the cell surface, which in turn cause intracellular signaling cascades that affect target cellular functions. Cytokine genes are mutually related to oncogenes. Cytokines, which are released in response to infection, inflammation, or during an immune response to an antigen, can inhibit tumor development. In turn, cytokines, which weaken apoptosis and promote invasion and metastasis, promote tumor growth. Cytokines are involved in the initiation, development and metastasis of malignant neoplasms through various mechanisms.