IL-17A promotes the malignant progression of colon cancer cells by activating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Abstract Background Colon cancer (CC) is a malignant disease of the digestive system. Multiple cancers are caused by IL-17A, which plays a significant role in inflammation. In this paper, the expression of IL-17A in CC patients is discussed, as well as its regulatory role in CC cells. Methods Firstly, the IL-17A expression level in the tissues of CC patients was detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT-qPCR. The IL-17A expression in serum of CC patients was detected by ELISA. Then two colon cancer cell lines HCT116 and HT29 were selected and IL-17A was applied at different concentrations to the cells. Subsequently, CCK8, colony formation assay, flow cytometry and transwell assay were used to detect cell proliferation, cell cycle, invasion and migration. Western blot was used to detect the expression of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway-related proteins. Finally, further discussion of the mechanism was conducted with the addition of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway inhibitor AG490. Results CC cell proliferation, invasion and migration induced by IL-17A significantly increased. At this point, the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway is activated. AG490 can significantly reverse the promoting effect of IL-17A on the malignant progression of CC cells. Conclusion IL-17A promoted the malignant progression of colon cancer cells by activating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.