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Updated: Mar 22, 2026

Detection and Visualization of DNA Damage-induced Protein Complexes in Suspension Cell Cultures Using the Proximity Ligation Assay
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Damage-associated molecular patterns in cancer: a double-edged sword

C Hernandez1, P Huebener1,2, R F Schwabe1,3

  • 1Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.

Oncogene
|April 19, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) signal cell death and inflammation. Emerging research shows DAMPs can both promote and fight cancer, influencing tumor growth and anti-cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are released during cell death and stress, initiating sterile inflammation.
  • DAMPs are increasingly implicated in cancer development and the body's response to anti-cancer treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of DAMPs and their receptors in cancer.
  • To discuss evidence for DAMPs acting as both tumor promoters and anti-tumor effectors.
  • To highlight unresolved questions regarding DAMPs in the tumor microenvironment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on DAMPs in cancer.
  • Analysis of studies investigating DAMPs' impact on tumor cell death and inflammation.
  • Examination of evidence for DAMPs' dual role in tumor progression and immune response.

Main Results:

  • DAMPs can trigger immunogenic cell death, alerting the immune system to tumor cells.
  • Conversely, DAMPs can fuel chronic inflammation, potentially promoting tumor growth and progression.
  • The precise mechanisms and contexts for DAMPs' pro- or anti-tumor effects are complex and require further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • DAMPs represent a critical link between cell death, inflammation, and cancer.
  • Understanding DAMPs' multifaceted roles is essential for developing novel cancer therapies.
  • Further research is needed on DAMP release from non-tumor cells and the existence of tumor-specific DAMPs.

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