How Immune Cells Help Cancer Cells Spread
Author Information
Author(s): Toh Benjamin, Wang Xiaojie, Keeble Jo, Sim Wen Jing, Khoo Karen, Wong Wing-Cheong, Kato Masashi, Prevost-Blondel Armelle, Thiery Jean-Paul, Abastado Jean-Pierre
Primary Institution: Singapore Immunology Network, BMSI, A-STAR, Singapore
Hypothesis
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) infiltrating primary tumors promote cancer cell dissemination by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Conclusion
MDSC play a crucial role in promoting cancer cell motility and dissemination early in tumor development.
Supporting Evidence
- MDSC were found to preferentially accumulate in primary tumors compared to metastases.
- Depletion of MDSC resulted in reduced growth of primary tumors.
- PMN-MDSC induced EMT in cancer cells, promoting their motility.
- Primary tumors expressed higher levels of chemokines that attract MDSC.
Takeaway
Some immune cells help cancer cells move around and spread to other parts of the body, making the cancer worse.
Methodology
The study used a murine model of melanoma to analyze the role of MDSC in cancer cell dissemination and EMT induction.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in interpreting results due to the use of a single animal model.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a specific mouse model, which may not fully represent human cancer biology.
Participant Demographics
The study involved RETAAD mice, a transgenic model for melanoma.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=8.38×10−5
Confidence Interval
95 CI=1.9%–3.5%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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