Role and functional mechanisms of IL‑17/IL‑17R signaling in pancreatic cancer (Review).

Interleukin‑17 (IL‑17), an inflammatory cytokine primarily secreted by T helper 17 cells, serves a crucial role in numerous inflammatory diseases and malignancies via its receptor, IL‑17R. In addition to stimulating inflammatory responses, IL‑17 exhibits dual functions in tumors, exerting both pro‑ and antitumor effects. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common pancreatic malignancy and accounts for >90% of pancreatic cancer cases. PDAC is characterized by a prominent stromal microenvironment with significant heterogeneity, which contributes to treatment resistance. IL‑17/IL‑17R signaling has a notable effect on tumorigenesis, the tumor microenvironment and treatment efficacy in various cancer types, including PDAC. However, the specific mechanisms of IL‑17/IL‑17R signaling in pancreatic cancer remain uncertain. This review presents a brief overview of the current knowledge and recent advances in the role and functional mechanisms of IL‑17/IL‑17R signaling in pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, the potential of IL‑17‑targeted therapeutic strategies for PDAC treatment is also discussed.