Dynamics of IL-35 Expression in Myeloid Leukemia: Implications for Immunosuppression and Chemotherapeutic Efficacy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36320/ajb/v17.i3.19966Keywords:
IL-35, AML, CML, Decitabine, Cytarabine.Abstract
Background: Interleukin-35 (IL-35), an immunosuppressive cytokine, is implicated in tumor immune evasion and myeloid leukemia progression. While prior studies associate elevated IL-35 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) pathogenesis and poor prognosis, its regulatory dynamics under chemotherapeutic interventions remain underexplored. This study evaluates IL-35 expression in AML, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and healthy cohorts, alongside its modulation by Decitabine and cytarabine.
Methods: Serum IL-35 levels were quantified via ELISA in 50 AML patients, 50 CML patients, and 30 healthy controls. Patient cohorts (mean age: AML=65, CML=64; controls=46) were stratified by disease activity and treatment status. Chemotherapeutic impact on IL-35 was assessed in AML patients receiving Decitabine (hypomethylating agent) or cytarabine (antimetabolite). Statistical analysis employed one-way ANOVA.
Results: IL-35 levels were non-significantly reduced in leukemia groups (AML: 98.84±81.03 pg/mL; CML: 73.82±61.09 pg/mL) versus controls (136.14±106.8 pg/mL). Neither Decitabine nor cytarabine significantly altered IL-35 expression in treated AML patients. Intergroup comparisons (AML vs. CML) also showed non-significant differences. High interpatient variability (wide SDs) and paradoxical lower IL-35 in leukemia cohorts contrasted with literature linking IL-35 to immunosuppression.
Conclusion: IL-35 may not serve as a standalone prognostic biomarker in myeloid leukemias due to its context-dependent expression and resistance to chemotherapy-induced modulation. Its role in immune evasion likely involves microenvironmental or receptor-level mechanisms rather than systemic concentration. Future studies should integrate longitudinal IL-35 profiling with multi-omics to refine therapeutic strategies targeting immunosuppression.
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