Obesity-associated cancer: an immunological perspective

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

• Epidemiological studies link obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes with increased cancer incidence.
• The role of immune system involvement in obesity-associated cancer pathophysiology is not well understood.
• Cancer immunotherapy advancements necessitate understanding immunotherapeutics' safety and efficacy in obesity-driven cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review immune cell subsets involved in obesity-associated inflammation.
• To explore therapeutic strategies targeting immune compartments for obesity-associated cancer prevention and treatment.
• To highlight the potential of modulating immune cells to restore immune balance and improve anti-tumour immunity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of immunological and pathophysiological processes in obesity-associated cancer.
• Analysis of immune cell subsets (pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, tumour-specific T cells).
• Discussion of therapeutic targets within immune compartments.

Main Results:

• Obesity-associated inflammation involves specific pro- and anti-inflammatory immune cell subsets.
• Immune cell modulation (metabolism, migration, abundance) is crucial.
• Targeting tumour-specific T cells can enhance anti-tumour responses.

Conclusions:

• Modulating immune cell subsets offers a promising strategy for obesity-associated cancer.
• Restoring immune balance can alleviate pathological inflammation.
• Improving anti-tumour immune responses is achievable through immune cell-targeted therapies.