Cytokines frequently implicated in myeloproliferative neoplasms

Classical myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). MPN has been defined as a chronic inflammation-driven tumor model. It is clear that there is a close link between chronic inflammation and MPN pathogenesis. Several studies have demonstrated cytokine profiles in MPN patients. Other studies have used cell lines or animal models aiming to clarify the underlying mechanism of cytokines in the pathogenesis of MPN. However, important questions remain: (1) among all these cytokines, which are more predictive? and (2) which are more critical? In this review, we summarize cytokines that have been investigated in MPN and highlight several cytokines that may be more significant in MPN. We suggest that cytokines are more critical in PMF than PV or ET. These cytokines include IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, VEGF, PDGF, IFNs and TGF-β, all of which should be more closely investigated in MPN. Based on our extensive literature search, several key factors have emerged in our understanding of MPN: first, TNF-α could correlate with MPN progression including PMF, PV and ET. IL-1β plays a role in PMF progression, while it showed no relation with PV or ET. Second, IL-8 could be a prognostic factor for PMF, and IL-6 could be important for MPN progression. Third, VEGF and PDGF play an indirect role in MPN development and their inhibitors could be effective. Fourth, different subtypes of IFNs could have different effects in MPN. Finally, TGF-β is closely linked to MF, although the data are inconsistent. Agents that have targeted these cytokines described above are already in clinical trials, and some of them have even been used to treat MPN patients. Taken together, it will be critical to continue to investigate the precise role of these cytokines in the pathogenesis and progression of MPN.