CXCL8 and its cognate receptors in melanoma progression and metastasis

Abstract

The incidence of melanoma is rising at an alarming rate and we are still awaiting an effective treatment for this malignancy. In its early stage, melanoma can be cured by surgical removal, but once metastasis has occurred there is no effective treatment. Recent findings have suggested multiple functional implications of CXCL8 and its cognate receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, in melanoma pathogenesis, thus underscoring their importance as targets for cancer therapy. This review provides an update on the roles of CXCL8 and its receptors in melanoma progression and metastasis.

Figure 1. CXCL8 and its receptors in different steps for melanoma progression and metastasis

CXCL8 is produced by malignant cells and promotes their proliferation, survival and migration through interaction with CXCR1 and/or CXCR2. Moreover, tumor-derived CXCL8 regulates leukocyte infiltration and neovascularization, modulating the tumor microenvironment for progression and metastasis. Chemokines can stimulate specific receptors that alter the adhesive capacity of tumor cells, their migration/invasion into circulation and extravasation towards specific organs, leading to the establishment of distant metastasis.