Cell-autonomous GP130 activation suppresses prostate cancer development via STAT3/ARF/p53-driven senescence and confers an immune-active tumor microenvironment

Prostate cancer ranks as the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. Recent research highlights the crucial roles GP130-mediated signaling pathways play in the development and progression of various cancers, particularly through hyperactivated STAT3 signaling. Here, we find that genetic cell-autonomous activation of the GP130 receptor in prostate epithelial cells triggers active STAT3 signaling and significantly reduces tumor growth in vivo . Mechanistically, genetic activation of GP130 signaling mediates senescence via the STAT3/ARF/p53 axis and anti-tumor immunity via recruitment of cytotoxic T-cells, ultimately impeding tumor progression. In prostate cancer patients, high GP130 mRNA expression levels correlate with better recurrence-free survival, increased senescence signals and a transition from an immune-cold to an immune-hot tumor. Our findings reveal a context-dependent role of GP130/STAT3 in carcinogenesis and a tumor-suppressive function in prostate cancer development. We challenge the prevailing concept of blocking GP130/STAT3 signaling as functional prostate cancer treatment and instead propose cell-autonomous GP130 activation as a novel therapeutic strategy.