IL-10RA promotes lung cancer cell proliferation by increasing fatty acid oxidation via STAT3 signaling pathway

Metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells plays a crucial role in promoting cell proliferation and metastasis, and is currently recognized as a significant marker of tumor progression. Interleukin-10 receptor subunit alpha (IL-10RA), a member of the type II cytokine receptor family, is predominantly expressed on macrophages and T cells and plays a crucial role in regulating immune cell metabolism and immune response. However, its role in the energy metabolic pathways of tumor cells remains unclear. In this study, we found increased expression of IL-10RA in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and a correlation between increased IL-10RA expression and tumor stage, tumor size, and short overall survival of patients with NSCLC. IL-10RA overexpression significantly promoted the proliferation of NSCLC cell lines and enhanced glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation (FAO), thereby boosting energy production. Correspondingly, the downregulation of IL-10RA inhibited proliferation, glycolysis, and FAO in NSCLC cell lines. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that IL-10RA upregulates the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. STAT3 inhibitor effectively blocked the increase in FAO levels and cell proliferation induced by IL-10RA overexpression. These findings suggest that IL-10RA accelerates NSCLC cell proliferation by increasing FAO levels via the STAT3 pathway, highlighting IL-10RA as a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.