IL-9 Abrogates the Metastatic Potential of Breast Cancer by Controlling Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Cellular Contractility

IL-9 is produced by Th9 cells and is classically known as a growth-promoting cytokine. Although protumorigenic functions of IL-9 are described in T cell lymphoma, recently, we and others have reported anti-tumor activities of IL-9 in melanoma mediated by mast cells and CD8+ T cells. However, involvement of IL-9 in invasive breast and cervical cancer remains unexplored. In this study, we demonstrate IL-9–dependent inhibition of metastasis of both human breast (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and cervical (HeLa) tumor cells in physiological three-dimensional invasion assays. To dissect underlying mechanisms of IL-9–mediated suppression of invasion, we analyzed IL-9–dependent pathways of cancer cell metastasis, including proteolysis, contractility, and focal adhesion dynamics. IL-9 markedly blocked tumor cell–collagen degradation, highlighting the effects of IL-9 on extracellular matrix remodeling. Moreover, IL-9 significantly reduced phosphorylation of myosin L chain and resultant actomyosin contractility and also increased focal adhesion formation. Finally, IL-9 suppressed IL-17– and IFN-γ–induced metastasis of both human breast (MDA-MB-231) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cells. In conclusion, IL-9 inhibits the metastatic potential of breast and cervical cancer cells by controlling extracellular matrix remodeling and cellular contractility.