IL-35 over-expression increases apoptosis sensitivity and suppresses cell growth in human cancer cells

► The IL-35 subunits were found to be expressed concurrently in human cancer cells. ► TNF-α and IFN-γ stimulation increased IL-35 expression in human cancer cells. ► IL-35 over-expression suppressed human cancer cell growth via cell cycle arrest. ► IL-35 over-expression increased the apoptosis sensitivity of human cancer cells. ► IL-35 regulated the expression of genes related to cell cycle and apoptosis.