Th17 cells regulate the production of CXCL1 in breast cancer.

Recently, the link between inflammation and cancer has been targeted for the prevention or treatment of malignant tumours. We aimed to investigate the relationship between Th17 cells and CXCL1 in breast cancer and the biological effects of CXCL1 on breast cancer. In vivo, the Th17 cell frequency in the peripheral blood was determined by flow cytometry. Secretion of IL-17 and CXCL1 in the blood serum was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression of IL-17A and CXCL1 mRNA was determined by qRT-PCR. In vitro, the effects of Th17/CXCL1 during breast cancer were assessed in the human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Cell proliferation was measured using the CCK8 assay. Cell invasion and migration ability were assessed using a transwell cell invasion and wound- healing assay. In vivo, Th17 cells and CXCL1 were increased in breast cancer patients. Moreover, their changes were correlated in breast cancer cells. Th17 cells upregulate the production of CXCL1 during breast cancer progression. CXCL1, which is produced by breast cancer cells, can promote cancer growth and development, and may also point to a specific histogenetic pathway.