The role of erythrocytes and erythroid progenitor cells in tumors

Abstract

In the current research context of precision treatment of malignant tumors, the advantages of immunotherapy are unmatched by conventional antitumor therapy, which can prolong progression-free survival and overall survival. The search for new targets and novel combination therapies can improve the efficacy of immunotherapy and reduce adverse effects. Since current research targets for immunotherapy mainly focus on lymphocytes, little research has been done on erythrocytes. Nucleated erythroid precursor stem cells have been discovered to play an essential role in tumor progression. Researchers are exploring new targets and therapeutic approaches for immunotherapy from the perspective of erythroid progenitor cells (EPCs). Recent studies have shown that different subtypes of EPCs have specific surface markers and distinct biological roles in tumor immunity. CD45+ EPCs are potent myeloid-derived suppressor cell-like immunosuppressants that reduce the patient’s antitumor immune response. CD45− EPCs promote tumor invasion and metastasis by secreting artemin. A specific type of EPC also promotes angiogenesis and provides radiation protection. Therefore, EPCs may be involved in tumor growth, infiltration, and metastasis. It may also be an important cause of anti-angiogenesis and immunotherapy resistance. This review summarizes recent research advances in erythropoiesis, EPC features, and their impacts and processes on tumors.

Importance of CD71+ Erythrocyte Cell Levels in Prognosis in Patients With β‐Thalassemia

“…It is stated that CECs can be used as a prognostic marker in sepsis due to their immunosuppressive effects [ 13 ]. T cell suppression suggests that CECs have an important role in tumor development [ 14 ]. In recent years, it has been stated that antibodies developed against the transferrin receptor (CD71) can be used in cancer treatment [ 15 , 16 ].…”

Exploring unconventional attributes of red blood cells and their potential applications in biomedicine

“…Additionally, the diminished antioxidant powers of RBCs in multiple sclerosis (MS), the role of RBCs as redox buffers, and the improvement of both RBC redox characteristics and MS symptoms by melatonin supplementation imply that targeting RBCs could be therapeutically useful ( Groen et al, 2016 ). Finally, in cancer, tumors can disrupt normal erythropoiesis, leading to the presence of circulating erythroid progenitor cells (EPC), which could suppress immunity and promote neo-angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis ( Zhang et al, 2022 ). Analogously, the presence of extravascular intratumor mature RBCs, resulting from micro-hemorrhages, can be immunosuppressive by multiple immune-metabolic mechanisms ( Papadopoulos, 2022 ; Papadopoulos et al, 2021a ).…”