IL11 modulates MMP12 expression and cancer cell metastasis via IL11RA/IL6ST-PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway in lung cancer

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with metastasis significantly reducing patient survival. Interleukin 11 (IL11), a member of the IL-6 cytokine family, has been associated with cancer progression, yet its role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) metastasis remains unclear. This study analyzed public datasets and demonstrated that IL11 is upregulated in NSCLC and correlates with lymphatic metastasis and poor prognosis. Functional assays revealed that IL11 enhances lung cancer cell migration through upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12). Mechanistically, IL11 acts via the IL11 receptor subunit alpha (IL11RA)/ IL6 cytokine family signal transducer (IL6ST) complex to activate the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway, which in turn drives MMP12 expression and promotes metastatic behavior. Notably, the clinically approved selective estrogen receptor modulator bazedoxifene effectively inhibited IL11-induced signaling, reduced MMP12 levels, and suppressed cancer cell migration in vitro. In an orthotopic lung cancer mouse model, IL11 knockdown significantly reduced tumor growth and intrapulmonary spread, accompanied by decreased IL11, MMP12, and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 levels in lung tissues. These findings uncover a novel IL11-driven pathway contributing to metastatic behavior in NSCLC and identify the IL11/IL11RA/IL6ST axis as a potential therapeutic target.