MMP2 and neoplasm: Notably, the functional consequences accompanying this enhancement have been reported in the literature: upregulated IL6 signaling activates the JAK/STAT3 cascade to promote tumor cell proliferation [31] and survival (e.g., increased MYC, Cyclin D1, and BCL2), induces EMT and invasiveness (e.g., elevated MMP2/9), and strengthens immunosuppression (e.g., increased PD‐L1 expression and Treg recruitment; impaired NK/CD8 effector function).