The effects of tocilizumab on IL-23, TNF-α levels, and CD147 in colorectal cancer cell line SW480

Hameed, Alaa K.; Abd Al-shibly, Ifad K.; Ghaleb, Rana A.

doi:10.21608/mb.2025.345402.1221

The effects of tocilizumab on IL-23, TNF-α levels, and CD147 in colorectal cancer cell line SW480

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Health & Medical Technology, Sawa University, Almuthana, Iraq.

² Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Babylon University, Hilla, Iraq.

³ Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, Babylon University, Hilla, Iraq.

10.21608/mb.2025.345402.1221

Abstract

Colorectal cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. While numerous studies have explored the anticancer potential of antiviral agents, the impact of Tocilizumab—an agent commonly used for COVID-19 on cancer cell viability and immune modulation has not been extensively documented. This study evaluates the potential antitumor effects of Tocilizumab on SW480 colon cancer cells and its influence on immune responses within this cell line. The study was conducted during August 2023 to March 2024 in the laboratory of the College of Medicine, University of Babylon, Iraq. SW480 cells were treated with various concentrations of Tocilizumab ranging from 62.5 µg/mL to 2000 µg/mL. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. The immune response was evaluated by quantifying cytokine levels—specifically IL-23, TNF-α, and CD147—using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Control samples consisted of cells incubated in medium without Tocilizumab. Tocilizumab showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the viability of SW480 cells, with significant reduction noted at higher concentrations. Regarding the immune response, Tocilizumab treatment resulted in varying alterations in cytokine levels. Notably, there was a consistent reduction in IL-23 and TNF-α levels, while CD147 levels remained relatively stable across all treated groups. Tocilizumab demonstrates promising antitumor activity against colorectal cancer cells in the SW480 line, coupled with significant modulation of cytokine responses. The study comes with a limitation that the results have to be verified using in vitro and clinical studies.

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