The Antiangiogenic Activity of Anti-IL-6 and Anti-IL-8 in the Tumor Microenvironment of Breast Cancer (Preclinical Study)

Abstract

The tumor microenvironment of breast cancer is considered a vibrant, multifactorial milieu that contains different cell subsets that shape the tumor fate. In addition, cytokines play a vital role within the tumor microenvironment, where different cytokines can promote inflammation, angiogenesis, and immune suppression. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) are two of the most important cytokines that aid tumor progression and metastasis. Thus, this study aimed to compare the anti-angiogenic actions of neutralizing antibodies against IL-8 and IL-6. Tumor tissues from 30 patients having mastectomy supplemented with either monoclonal neutralizing antibodies against IL-8 or IL-6 were used to evaluate their antiangiogenic effect by evaluating (Vascular endothelial growth Factor) VEGF expression and microvessels count. It was demonstrated that Anti-IL-8 mAb declined significantly the number of microvessels in the tumor tissues compared to Anti-IL-6 and the control tissue cultures p<0.0001. In addition, the decrease in the microvessels count was insignificant within the untreated normal tissues (p=0.46). Therefore, the antiangiogenic activity of Anti-IL-8 monoclonal antibody is more potent than Anti-IL-6 according to the study conditions.