Eosinophils and Cancer

Abstract

Eosinophils have long been known to infiltrate tumors, and in most cases, this is associated with an improved prognosis. However, the reasons behind this infiltration and the mechanism of action of the eosinophil have remained elusive. In this article, we explore the biology of eosinophils and examine their function in homeostasis and disease states, specifically focusing on what is currently known about the association of the eosinophil with cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(1); 1-8. Ó2014 AACR. Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of InterestM.E. Rothenberg has an ownership Interest in Immune Pharmaceuticals and Receptos; is a consultant/advisory board member of Immune Pharmaceuticals, Norvatis, Pluristem Therapeutics, and Receptos; and has royalty to reslizumab (Teva Pharmaceuticals). No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed by the other author. CME Staff Planners' DisclosuresThe members of the planning committee have no real or apparent conflicts of interest to disclose. Learning ObjectivesEosinophils, discovered over 150 years ago, are present in various lesions, and tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia has been correlated with both good and bad prognosis for cancer. Upon completion of this activity, the participant should gain a basic knowledge of the biology of eosinophils, and their potential roles in homeostasis and in diseases. A broader understanding of these granulocytic leukocytes and their interaction with other immune cells will inform research on their potential to affect tumors and to improve cancer therapy.

Myeloid Cells and Related Chronic Inflammatory Factors as Novel Predictive Markers in Melanoma Treatment with Ipilimumab

“…Moreover, in nonresponding patients, we observed a significant reduction in the concentration of eotaxin-1 as compared with baseline levels. Because this chemokine is considered to play a critical role in the eosinophil recruitment (20,22), such changes indicate poor conditions for eosinophil accumulation. Eosinophils have been reported to infiltrate tumors that were associated with a better prognosis in most cases (22).…”

“…Because this chemokine is considered to play a critical role in the eosinophil recruitment (20,22), such changes indicate poor conditions for eosinophil accumulation. Eosinophils have been reported to infiltrate tumors that were associated with a better prognosis in most cases (22). In the B16 melanoma mouse model, eosinophil accumulation in solid tumors was considered as an early and persistent inflammatory host response (23).…”

Mast cells and eosinophils in rat mammary gland tumours induced by N-Nitroso-N-methylurea

“…Eosinophils were recognised in cellular infiltrates of tumours even in early histological studies of human cancers (18) and in several animal tumour models (6). Clinical observations confirmed the appearance of eosinophils particularly those of epithelial origin (e.g.…”

“…colon and breast tumours) (20). However, there are discrepancies in reports of tumour-associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE) or evidence of eosinophil degranulation in various types of cancers (6). On the other hand, there are no reports on whether tissue eosinophilia and mast cell infiltration can participate in tumour progression/regression.…”

“…They regulate mast cell functions through the release of granule proteins and cytokines: major basic protein (MBP), eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), and eosinophilic cation protein (ECP) trigger mast cells to release histamine TNF-α, IL-8, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM CSF), and prostaglandine-2 (6).…”