Immunomodulatory effects of BAFF and APRIL cytokines in post-pulmonary infection lung cancer

- The Role of BAFF and APRIL in Supporting Lung Cancer Survival and Drug Resistance: Respiratory infections such as viruses and bacteria can lead to an increase in local production of BAFF and APRIL cytokines to combat infections in lung cancer patients (A-B). The interaction of BAFF and APRIL cytokines with their unique receptors can lead to trigger signalling pathways, including NF-kB, ERK1/2, and the MAPKs pathways, which regulate the balance and expression of apoptotic genes. This can lead to the prevention of cell death and promotion of cell division; therefore, they can promote cells survival and growth. However, increased production of theses cytokines may also promote the survival of lung cancer cells (C), augment their drug resistance, inhibit apoptosis, and thus worsen the disease outcomes (D). Inhibiting the production of BAFF and APRIL may help prevent cancer survival and drug resistance (E).