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Antinuclear autoantibodies as potential antineoplastic agents.
V P Torchilin1, L Z Iakoubov, Z Estrov
1Dept of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA. vtorchil@lynx.neu.edu
Trends in Immunology
|July 28, 2001
Summary
Antinuclear autoantibodies (ANAs), usually linked to autoimmune diseases, show potential antitumor activity in cancer patients. Further research could lead to monoclonal ANA cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- The immune system plays a role in controlling neoplasia.
- Cellular immunity's anti-tumor functions are well-established.
- Humoral immunity's role in cancer is an emerging area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of antinuclear autoantibodies (ANAs) in cancer patients.
- To explore the potential of ANAs as a cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Detection of circulating ANAs in cancer patients.
- Review of experimental data on ANA functions in cancer.
Main Results:
- ANAs are detected in cancer patients, similar to autoimmune conditions and healthy elderly individuals.
- Experimental data suggests potential anti-tumor activity of ANAs.
Conclusions:
- While ANAs are known for their role in autoimmunity, their function in cancer is under-investigated.
- Experimental evidence suggests ANAs may possess anti-tumor properties.
- Monoclonal ANAs warrant further investigation as a potential cancer therapeutic strategy.