Role of proteases and cytokines in cancer growth

Proteolytic enzymes have a significant role in various aspects of cancer growth. The interaction between signaling molecules, including cytokines, regulates communication between many cells. This chapter aims to examine the methods by which protease regulation influences cytokine signaling in different cancer types. Furthermore, it is important to note the reciprocal relationship between cytokines and protease production, which occurs through autocrine and paracrine signaling. This interaction signifies the existence of intricate feedback processes involving several proteases. The significance of the cytokine-protease axis can be observed in the context of glioma, a highly aggressive type of brain cancer. The molecular crosstalk between stem and cancer cells of non-pathological origin appears to be significant in this disease.