Fetal Cell Microchimerism and Cancer: A Nexus of Reproduction, Immunology, and Tumor Biology

Abstract

Fetal cell microchimerism (FCM) is the persistence of fetal cells in the maternal circulation and organs following pregnancy. Proposed hypotheses about the function of fetal cells in the pathogenesis of maternal cancer include promotion of tumorigenesis, protection by providing immunosurveillance, and participation in tissue repair. To date, studies of FCM and cancer have been primarily descriptive and quantitative. More research is needed to understand the cellular phenotype of the microchimeric cells in maternal tumors and whether they have a functional role. This research will require further study using a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating knowledge of the fetomaternal relationship, tumor biology, immunology, and clinical oncology.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Nanosolutions for a Big Challenge

“…The potential of antibodies as targeting ligands transcends tumor detection purposes. Radiolabeled antibodies could be extremely useful for both radioimmunotherapy (RIT) and tumor monitoring during therapy 31, 32, 33. To evaluate the potential of the anti‐human B‐B4 monoclonal antibody to target the syndecan‐1 (CD138) antigen—correlated with poor prognosis and aggressive phenotypes in breast carcinoma—a preclinical study on TNBC xenograft mice was performed 31.…”

“…These results reinforced the relevance of the B‐B4 antibody for the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic TNBC. Scheltinga et al have monitored downregulation of the insulin‐like growth factor receptor‐1 (IGF‐1R) and VEGF expression in vivo in response to heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibition therapy using Zirconium‐89 ( 89 Zr)‐labeled MAB391 and bevacizumab for PET imaging 32, 33. These studies not only demonstrated the utility of 89 Zr‐labeled antibodies in the visualization of IGF‐1R and VEGF levels in vivo, but also showed their potential as biomarkers for drugs targeting IGF‐1R and VEGF expression.…”

Quantitative Regulation of Melanoma Growth in the Host by Tumor-Specific Serpins in Blood Serum is a Main Reason for Inefficient Tumor Treatment

“…It may not distributed all over the body. This phenomenon has been termed microchimerism and describes the long-term existence of infective microorganisms in an organism (Kallenbach et al, 2011;Miech R.P., 2010). It is possible to explain this phenomenon by our hypothesis.…”

Fetal Microchimerism in Cancer Protection and Promotion: Current Understanding in Dogs and the Implications for Human Health

“…Microchimerism is the co-existence of a small population of cells from genetically distinct individuals living within the body of another individual [1,2]. In humans, during pregnancy, cells traffic bi-directionally across the placental interface between fetus and mother and establish permanent residence, resulting in fetal or maternal microchimerism.…”

“…A persistent microchimeric state can also result from medical intervention, such as organ transplantation or blood transfusion [3]. Ultimately, the result is the persistence of minor cell populations that may play roles in the development of autoimmune disease and some cancers, reduction of risk of other cancers, and enhancement of engraftment rates following hematopoietic stem cell or organ transplantation with a reduction in graft vs host disease (GVHD) [1,4,5]. While significant epidemiological data supports differential risk for certain diseases between women with demonstrated fetal microchimerism and those without, the diseases are multifactorial in cause and often late to develop in life [4,6].…”