Cell Communication and Signaling (Mar 2020)

IL-9 and IL-9-producing cells in tumor immunity

  • Jie Wan,
  • Yinqiu Wu,
  • Xiaoyun Ji,
  • Lan Huang,
  • Wei Cai,
  • Zhaoliang Su,
  • Shengjun Wang,
  • Huaxi Xu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-020-00538-5
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 1
pp. 1 – 11

Abstract

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Abstract Interleukin (IL)-9 belongs to the IL-2Rγc chain family and is a multifunctional cytokine that can regulate the function of many kinds of cells. It was originally identified as a growth factor of T cells and mast cells. In previous studies, IL-9 was mainly involved in the development of allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases and parasite infections. Recently, IL-9, as a double-edged sword in the development of cancers, has attracted extensive attention. Since T-helper 9 (Th9) cell-derived IL-9 was verified to play a powerful antitumor role in solid tumors, an increasing number of researchers have started to pay attention to the role of IL-9-skewed CD8+ T (Tc9) cells, mast cells and Vδ2 T cell-derived IL-9 in tumor immunity. Here, we review recent studies on IL-9 and several kinds of IL-9-producing cells in tumor immunity to provide useful insight into tumorigenesis and treatment. Video Abstract Graphical abstract

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