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 |