In this review, we provide an overview of the role of IL-32 and its different isoforms in carcinogenesis, invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis and regulation of the anti-tumor immune response.
In addition, in vitro data linked IL32 expression to metastasis formation since IL32 inhibition decreased Snai1 expression and tumor cell migration in a Boyden chamber assay.
These studies demonstrate that IL-32 plays a role in the tumor-associated inflammatory microenvironment and that overexpression of IL-32 contributes to invasion and metastasis in primary lung adenocarcinoma, suggesting that it may have clinical utility as a prognostic biomarker and potential target for immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma.
In experimental models of distinct types of cancers, NK4 gene therapy inhibited Met receptor activation and this was associated with inhibition of tumor invasion and metastasis.
Inhibition of the HGF-Met receptor pathway and tumor angiogenesis by NK4 gene expression has potential therapeutic value toward inhibition of invasion, growth, and metastasis of colon cancer.
AdCMV.NK4 has been suggested to induce the inhibition of the implantation and growth of gallbladder cancer cells in vivo through its anti-HGF activity, and the use of NK4 gene transfer could be an effective modality for preventing peritoneal metastasis of gallbladder cancer.