Anti-leukemic properties of IL-12, IL-23 and IL-27: Differences and similarities in the control of pediatric B acute lymphoblastic leukemia

B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric hematologic malignancy. Although patient cure has reached an excellent rate, a minority of cases relapse and need novel therapies.IL-12, IL-23 and IL-27 belong to the IL-12 superfamily and exert immunological and anti-tumor functions. The latter can be mediated by activation of immune responses or by the direct activity on cancer cells. Recently, the role of IL-12, IL-23 and IL-27 in the control of pediatric B-ALL has been unveiled. Here, we discuss in a translational perspective the role of IL-12 family cytokines in pediatric B-ALL, highlighting similarities and differences in their mechanisms of action.

► We review and discuss the role of IL-12, IL-23 and IL-27 in pediatric B-ALL.
► The cytokines show direct anti-leukemic activity with similar and different mechanisms.
► IL-27 is able to target both B-ALL blasts and TIC and inhibits their spreading in vivo.
► IL-27 appears as a good candidate for B-ALL therapy due to its multifaceted activity.