Type I and II Interferons in the Anti-Tumor Immune Response

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Interferons are cytokines that play key roles in the activation of cellular components of the immune response, such as dendritic cells, macrophages and T cells. Generally, these cytokines promote anti-tumor immune responses, but under some circumstances, prolonged exposure to them can lead to suppression of the immune response. This review focuses on the immunostimulatory versus immunosuppressive roles of interferons and the mechanisms mediating such effects on both malignant cells and cells of the immune system. ABSTRACT: The interferons (IFNs) are essential components of the immune response against infections and malignancies. IFNs are potent promoters of the anti-tumor response, but there is also evidence that feedback mechanisms regulated by IFNs negatively control immune responses to avoid hyper-activation and limit inflammation. This balance of responses plays an important role in cancer surveillance, immunoediting and response to anticancer therapeutic approaches. Here we review the roles of both type I and type II IFNs on the control of the immune response against malignancies in the context of effects on both malignant cells and cells of the immune system in the tumor microenvironment.