This paper is an extensive review article focusing on the role of cytokines in cancer and the challenges and progress in therapeutically targeting these pathways. It explains that cytokines are essential immune cell communication proteins whose effects, which can be anti-tumor (like IFN-g) or pro-oncogenic (like innate inflammatory cytokines), depend on the cell type and environment. The review details the mechanisms of cytokine signaling, primarily through the JAK-STAT pathway, and categorizes various cytokines by their function, including the interferons, the IL-2 family, and innate inflammatory cytokines. Finally, it discusses the history and ongoing efforts in developing and engineering cytokine-based therapies and cytokine-blocking agents for cancer treatment, noting that local delivery and stability are key factors for success due to the systemic toxicities and complexities of these networks.
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