Damage-associated molecular patterns in cancer: a double-edged sword

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.