Interleukin-33 enhanced the migration and invasiveness of human lung cancer cells

Aim Interleukin-33 (IL-33), belonging to IL-1 family cytokines, has been reported to participate in cancer growth and metastasis. The clinical values of IL-33 in lung cancer have been previously investigated. We aimed to elucidate the probable role of IL-33 in the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells. Methods Cell migration and invasiveness were tested by Transwell assay. Western blotting analysis was performed to detect protein expression. Results We found that IL-33 treatment in human lung A549 cells dose-dependently enhanced their migratory and invasive ability, accompanied by elevated expression of matrix metallo-proteinase (MMP) 2 and MMP9. Meanwhile, IL-33-induced cell migration and invasion were significantly abolished by small interfering RNA-targeting ST2, the specific receptor of IL-33. Furthermore, IL-33 exposure induced the phosphorylation of AKT. Pretreatment with an AKT inhibitor LY294002 markedly attenuated IL-33-induced cell migration and invasion. Conclusion IL-33/ST2 promoted the migration and invasiveness of lung cancer cells through AKT pathway. Our findings strongly suggest that IL-33 may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for lung cancer.