The Chemokine CXCL16 and Its Receptor, CXCR6, as Markers and Promoters of Inflammation-Associated Cancers
Figure 8
CXCL16 and CXCR6 establish positive feedback loops contributing to the progression of inflammation-associated cancers.
Secretion of CXCL16 from pre-cancer or cancer cells leads to CXCR6-mediated recruitment of leukocytes. Cytokines such as TNF-α and IFN-γ produced by these cells in turn induce expression of CXCL16 and CXCR6, creating a positive feedback loop that enhances tumorigenesis – directly, through effects on the growth of pre-cancer and cancer cells, and indirectly, by increasing the migration and proliferation of the inflammatory cells, together leading to the increased growth of inflammation-associated cancers.