Critical role of IL-23 signaling in prostatic cancer

Abstract

Interleukin 23 (IL-23) belongs to interleukin 6 super-family [1]. IL-12/23 p40 is the common subunit for them, which is covalently linked to either a p19 subunit to form IL-23 or a p35 subunit to form IL-12 [2]. Both cytokines are mainly expressed by activating dendrite cells or macrophages under the stimulation of pathogens. IL-23 was also reported to be secreted by tumor associated macrophages in tumor microenvironment [3]. Interestingly, IL-23 spur different immune pathways [4]. IL-12 induces IFN-γ-producing Th1 cell development and enhances cytotoxic, anti-microbial and anti-tumor responses; whereas IL-23 expands Th17 cells, which is mainly involved in the pathology of autoimmunity and chronic inflammatory disease [5].