Common gamma chain cytokines in combinatorial immune strategies against cancer

•γC cytokines are essential for the normal biological function of the immune system.•γC cytokines in the tumor-bearing host influence antitumor lymphocyte functions.•Antitumor effects of γC cytokines impact both solid and hematological tumors.•γC cytokines may synergistically increase the effectiveness of cancer therapies.•Clinical trials are currently ongoing for all γC cytokines in combinatorial therapies.

ABSTRACTCommon γ chain (γC) cytokines, namely IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15, and IL-21 are important for the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of lymphocytes that display antitumor activity, thus stimulating considerable interest for the use of cytokines in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we will focus on the γC cytokines that demonstrate the greatest potential for immunotherapy, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21. We will briefly cover their biological function, potential applications in cancer therapy, and update on their use in combinatorial immune strategies for eradicating tumors and hematopoietic malignancies.