IL-6/STAT3/TGF-β Loop Drives Cancer Progression

Cancer progression is driven by complex signaling networks that promote tumor growth, immune evasion, and metastasis. Among these, the interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) feedback loop stands out as a critical pathway. This loop creates a self-sustaining cycle: IL-6 activates STAT3, which upregulates TGF-β, and TGF-β, in turn, further increases IL-6 production.