Table 3 The rationale of modulating each cytokine with the favorable outcome of each transcription factor involved.
Cytokine | Rationale | Favorable outcome |
|---|---|---|
IFN-γ | Tumor growth inhibition: Stimulation of cellular immunity; Antagonizes TGF-β1 deleterious effects; Inhibits IL-17 production | ↑ STAT1 activation |
IL-12 | Tumor growth inhibition: Acts via IFN-γ and activates NK, Th1, CD8+ T cell and promotes DCs maturation | ↑ STAT4 activation |
IL-17 | Tumor growth promotion: TGF-β1 with an inflammatory cytokine supports IL-17 production via STAT3 activation; Inhibits IL-12 favorable effects by STAT3 activation | ↓ STAT3 activation |
TGF-β1 | Tumor growth promotion: Inhibits IFN-γ favorable effects Supports Treg cells differentiation; Supports Th17 cells differentiation with an inflammatory cytokine | ↓ SMAD3 activation |