Estrogens and Breast Cancer Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Mead M. Nathaniel, David Shapiro, V. Craig Jordan, Margaret Whalen
Primary Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
Hypothesis
Do estrogens reinforce the evasion of host immunity in breast cancer cells?
Conclusion
Estrogens may help breast cancer cells evade immune responses by increasing levels of a protein that protects them from being killed by immune cells.
Supporting Evidence
- Estrogen induces the expression of PI-9, which helps cancer cells evade immune attacks.
- Tamoxifen can block NK cell killing of cancer cells in tumors with high estrogen receptor levels.
- Environmental estrogens like DDT may also reduce immune function against breast cancer.
Takeaway
Estrogens can help cancer cells hide from the body's defenses, making it harder for the body to fight the cancer.
Methodology
The researchers linked estrogen concentrations to levels of the PI-9 protein and its effect on NK cell-mediated cell death.
Limitations
Most estrogen-responsive breast tumors have low to moderate estrogen receptors, limiting the effectiveness of tamoxifen.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website