STAT3 and neoplasm: IL-17A induces activation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, p38 MAPK and STAT3 (IL-6-STAT3) signaling pathways, and promotes tumor growth [133], tissue invasion, tissue-remodeling and matrix degrading substances (such as MMPs, including MMP2 and MMP9) [335], migration [134], inhibition of apoptosis, and angiogenesis [336] (via activation of VEGF and CXCL8 expression [57]).