Role of Stat3 in suppressing anti-tumor immunity

Curr Opin Immunol. 2008 Apr;20(2):228-33. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2008.03.010. Epub 2008 May 12.

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that what sustains a tumor's survival and proliferation can also subvert the immune system from its defense role. As a point of convergence for numerous oncogenic signaling pathways, Stat3 is constitutively activated in diverse human cancer cells. Activated Stat3 not only upregulates genes crucial for survival, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis but also promotes expression of immune suppressive factors while inhibiting Th1 immunostimulatory molecules. By virtue of its ability to promote expression of many factors that activate Stat3 in diverse cells, Stat3 allows malignant and immune cells resonate, forming close partnership for tumor immune evasion, tumor progression, and resistance to therapies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / physiology*
  • Suppressor Factors, Immunologic / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology

Substances

  • Interleukin-17
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • STAT3 protein, human
  • Suppressor Factors, Immunologic