Cellular and molecular immunology of lung cancer: therapeutic implications

Abstract

Though incidence is declining, the prognosis of lung cancer remains poor. This is likely due to lack of early detection and only recent developments in selective cancer therapies. Key immune cells involved in the pathogenesis of lung cancer include CD4+ T-lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells. The growing understanding of these cells indicates a highly complex and intertwined network of their involvement in each stage of lung cancer. Immune cell types and numbers affect prognosis and could offer an opportunity for clinical therapeutic applications. However, an incomplete understanding of immune cell involvement and the underlying processes in lung cancer still remain. More investigation focusing on the role of the immune cells will further the understanding of lung carcinogenesis and develop novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment and management of patients with more specialized and selective lung cancer.

Correlation between microRNA-21 and expression of Th17 and Treg cells in microenvironment of rats with hepatocellular carcinoma

“…MiR-21 is a microRNA that has been studied much. Hu et al reported that miR-21 could regulate the target gene HEPN1 to promote the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells [8]; Wang et al found that the expression level of miR-21 could predict the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma [9]; Bao et al found that miR-21 could inhibit the expression of target gene PTEN and hSulf-1 and thus promote the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma through AKT/ERK signal pathway [10] . However, it still has been unknown whether there is the correlation between miR-21 and the imbalance of Th17 and Treg cells in the microenvironment of tumor.…”

Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells in Cutaneous Melanoma

“…20 Immune cells involved with tumors can modulate the local microenvironment and ultimately infl uence cancer progression, response to therapy, and prognosis. 8 For example, high numbers of peritumoral T lymphocytes in metastatic malignant melanoma is associated with lower progression of disease, 21 whereas M2 polarized tumor associated macrophages are associated with a poor prognosis due to their promotion of regulatory T cells and inhibition of CD8+ T lymphocyte antitumor properties. [22][23][24] Such associated immune cells could influence the levels of TREM within the melanoma tissue and deserves further exploration.…”

“…5,6 Notably, cells of the immune system have both antitumor and tumor-promoting eff ects on melanoma. 7 Immunotherapy constitutes the current forefront of novel cancer therapy, 8 creating a continued need for identifi cation of new molecular targets and biomarkers, particularly in melanoma research. Th e triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) family of innate immune receptors has been identifi ed as playing pivotal roles in modulating inflammatory and innate immune signaling, creating implications in numerous diseases.…”

Chronic inflammation and cancer: emerging roles of triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells

“…In particular, polarization of macrophages to M1/M2 subtypes holds implications in cancer prognosis and therapy [64,65]. Certain TAMs are associated with pro-tumor functions including immune suppression, angiogenesis, matrix remodeling, and tumor proliferation or metastasis.…”