Interleukin-25: New perspective and state-of-the-art in cancer prognosis and treatment approaches

Cancer is a leading cause of death which imposes a substantial financial burden. Among the several mechanisms involved in cancer progression, imbalance of immune cell-derived factors such as cytokines and chemokines plays a central role. IL-25, as a member of the IL-17 cytokine subfamily, exerts a paradoxical role in cancer, including tumor supportive and tumor suppressive. Hence, we have tried to clarify the role of IL-25 and its receptor in tumor progression and cancer prognosis. It has been confirmed that IL-25 exerts a tumor-suppressive role through inducing infiltration of eosinophils and B cells into the tumor microenvironment and activating the apoptotic pathways. In contrast, the tumor-supportive function has been implemented by activating inflammatory cascades, promoting cell cycle, and inducing type-2 immune responses. Since IL-25 has been dysregulated in tumor tissues and this dysregulation is involved in cancer development, its examination can be used as a tumor diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. Moreover, IL-25-based therapeutic approaches have shown promising results in cancer inhibition. In cancers in which IL-25 has a tumor-suppressive function, employing IL-25-enhancing approaches, such as Virulizin^® and dihydrobenzofuran administration, has potentially inhibited tumor cell growth. On the other hand, in the case of IL-25-dependent tumor progression, using IL-25 blocking methods, including anti-IL-25 antibodies, might be a complementary approach to the other anticancer agent. Collectively, it is hoped, IL-25 might be a promising target in cancer treatment.