Molecular determinants of immunogenic cell death elicited by anticancer chemotherapy

Oliver Kepp1, Lorenzo Galluzzi, Isabelle Martins

  • 1INSERM, U848, Institut Gustave Roussy, Pavillon de Recherche 1, 94805 Villejuif (Paris), France.

Cancer Metastasis Reviews
|January 21, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Chemo- and radiotherapy success depends on immunogenic cell death, which signals immune cells to target cancer. Key proteins like calreticulin, ATP, and HMGB1 released by dying cells trigger this crucial anticancer immune response.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Chemo- and radiotherapy efficacy is linked to inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD).
  • ICD involves specific cellular changes and the release of pro-immunogenic factors.
  • This process is crucial for stimulating an anticancer immune response, potentially targeting therapy-resistant cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular factors that determine if cell death is immunogenic.
  • To discuss the roles of calreticulin, ATP, and HMGB1 in ICD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on molecular mechanisms of ICD.
  • Analysis of the role of specific proteins and molecules in immune cell stimulation.

Main Results:

  • Specific surface modifications and factor release characterize ICD.
  • Calreticulin, ATP, and HMGB1 are identified as key determinants of ICD.
  • These factors stimulate antigen-presenting cells to initiate a tumor-specific immune response.

Conclusions:

  • The molecular identity of factors released during cell death dictates its immunogenicity.
  • Calreticulin, ATP, and HMGB1 play critical roles in ICD and subsequent anticancer immunity.
  • Understanding these factors can enhance cancer therapeutic strategies.

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