Parasites as potential targets for cancer immunotherapy

Yousefi, Mohammad Reza; Akbari, Mohammadesmail; Hadipour, Mahboubeh; Dehkordi, Azar Balouti; Farahbakhsh, Zohreh; Darani, Hossein Yousofi

doi:10.1007/s00432-023-04694-2

Cited by 8 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 79 publications

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“…At least three groups of such molecules can be considered: (a) In some combinations, tapeworm larvae and cancers share antigenic epitopes (frequently glycans) that can cross-react with specific antibodies. This way, timely immunization with tapeworm antigens (which seem more immunogenic than the shared cancer antigens ( Berriel et al, 2021 ; Yousefi et al, 2023 ) could protect against developing cancers in specific combinations. (b) Some tapeworm products could boost various (innate or adaptive) components of the immune system, which could then eliminate the cancer cells.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Regarding the cross-reactivity phenomenon, the cancer cell-derived antigens are believed to be poorly immunogenic. On the other hand, the parasite antigens are usually highly immunogenic; therefore, in the case of similar motifs shared between cancer and parasite, the cross-reacting antibodies might represent a path for cancer immunotherapy in the future ( Ubillos et al, 2007 ; Yousefi et al, 2023 ).…”

Section: Survey Methodologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the human population, some epidemiological data support this view. For example, the decline of Ascaris lumbricoides prevalence in Korea during 1971–1992 has been followed by a remarkable increase in breast cancer incidence during 1992–2013 ( Yousefi et al, 2023 ) and the mean survival time of patients with adult T-cell leukemia was longer if they had a concurrent infection with Strongyloides stercoralis ( Plumelle et al, 1997 ). The first possible cancer-suppressing effect of a flatworm has been postulated with Echinococcus granulosus , a highly pathogenic cestode responsible for human cystic echinococcosis ( van Knapen, 1980 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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How tapeworms interact with cancers: a mini-review

Schreiber,

Vajs,

Horák

2024

PeerJ

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Cancer is one of the leading causes of death, with an estimated 19.3 million new cases and 10 million deaths worldwide in 2020 alone. Approximately 2.2 million cancer cases are attributed to infectious diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite the apparent involvement of some parasitic helminths (especially trematodes) in cancer induction, there are also records of the potential suppressive effects of helminth infections on cancer. Tapeworms such as Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia crassiceps, and more seem to have the potential to suppress malignant cell development, although in a few cases the evidence might be contradictory. Our review aims to summarize known epidemiological data on the cancer-helminth co-occurrence in the human population and the interactions of tapeworms with cancers, i.e., proven or hypothetical effects of tapeworms and their products on cancer cells in vivo (i.e., in experimental animals) or in vitro. The prospect of bioactive tapeworm molecules helping reduce the growth and metastasis of cancer is within the realm of future possibility, although extensive research is yet required due to certain concerns.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Survey Methodologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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How tapeworms interact with cancers: a mini-review

Schreiber,

Vajs,

Horák

2024

PeerJ

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“…Many antigens derived from T. spiralis benefit cancer treatment (Eissa et al, 2016;Bruschi et al, 2022;Yousefi et al, 2023). Glycoprotein T. spiralis is known to possess anticancer properties based on preclinical trials.…”

Section: Trichinella Spiralismentioning

confidence: 99%

Using Helminths to Fight Cancer: An Innovative Approach

Ameli,

Masoumi,

Kerachi

et al. 2023

WVJ

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As an alternative treatment in cancer therapy, there has been a growing interest in using helminths, such as Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis), Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus), Toxocara canis (T. canis), and Taenia solium (T. solium). This study aimed to investigate the antigens and mechanisms that contribute to the anticancer properties of helminths, providing insights into how helminths may be used as a new and innovative treatment modality for cancer. The current review analyzed preclinical and clinical studies published between 2000 and 2023. The present study sought to obtain information on helminths, such as E. granulosus, T. spiralis, T. canis, and T. solium, to treat cancers of the breast, pancreas, melanoma, and leukemia by exploring databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Studies focusing on helminth therapy against particular cancer types for in vitro and animal models were included. Several studies have shown the possibility of inhibiting breast, colon, melanoma, and leukemia tumor growth, inducing apoptosis, and modulating the tumor microenvironment with E. granulosus, T. spiralis, T. canis, and T. solium based on in vitro and animal models studies. Some studies have indicated that helminth therapy can improve survival rates, reduce tumor growth, and stimulate the immune system in cancer patients. A potential improvement in treatment outcomes can be used for combination therapies, such as antigen selection, immune profiling, and individualized approaches based on helminth therapy. Helminth therapy is an additional option for cancer treatment, emphasizing T. spiralis, E. granulosus, T. canis, and T. solium. These helminth antigens could modulate immune responses and directly cause cytotoxicity in cancer cells.

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