Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-18, a member of the IL-1 family of cytokines, has emerged as a key regulator of mucosal homeostasis within the gastrointestinal tract. Like other members of this family, IL-18 is secreted as an inactive protein and is processed into its active form by caspase-1, although other contributors to precursor processing are emerging.
Numerous studies have evaluated the role of IL-18 within the gastrointestinal tract using genetic or complementary pharmacological tools and have revealed multiple roles in tumorigenesis. Most striking among these are the divergent roles for IL-18 in colon and gastric cancers. Here, we review our current understanding of IL-18 biology and how this applies to colorectal and gastric cancers.
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Acknowledgments
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute receives funding from the Victorian State Government Operational Infrastructure Support Program. TLP receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia Project Grants (1080498, 1098643). TLP is a Victorian Cancer Agency Fellow and WEHI Dyson Bequest Centenary Fellow.
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Fung, K.Y., Nguyen, P.M., Putoczki, T.L. (2020). Emerging Roles for Interleukin-18 in the Gastrointestinal Tumor Microenvironment. In: Birbrair, A. (eds) Tumor Microenvironment. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 1240. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38315-2_5
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