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The relationship between autophagy and the immune system and its applications for tumor immunotherapy

Guan-Min Jiang1,2, Yuan Tan3, Hao Wang4

  • 1Department of Clinical laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China. jianggm3@mail.sysu.edu.cn.

Molecular Cancer
|January 26, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Autophagy, a cellular process regulated by autophagy-related genes (ATG), has a dual role in tumors. Modulating autophagy shows promise for enhancing tumor immunotherapy by influencing immune responses and overcoming resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Autophagy is a fundamental cellular process governed by autophagy-related genes (ATG).
  • Autophagy plays a complex, context-dependent role in tumor development, acting as both a promoter and suppressor.
  • Tumor immunotherapy is a rapidly advancing treatment modality for various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the intricate relationship between autophagy and the immune system in the context of cancer.
  • To discuss the potential of targeting autophagy to improve the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy.
  • To review the mechanisms by which autophagy influences immune cell function and cytokine production.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating autophagy's role in cancer and immunity.
  • Analysis of research on the interplay between autophagy, immune cells, and cytokines.
  • Examination of therapeutic strategies involving autophagy modulation in combination with immunotherapy.

Main Results:

  • Autophagy significantly impacts immune responses, affecting immune cell function and cytokine profiles.
  • Targeting autophagy can enhance anti-tumor immunity, improve antigen presentation, and increase sensitivity to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs).
  • Autophagy modulation (induction or inhibition) can overcome intrinsic resistance to immunotherapy and restrain tumor growth.

Conclusions:

  • Autophagy's dual role in cancer necessitates careful consideration for therapeutic strategies.
  • Modulating autophagy presents a promising avenue for augmenting anti-tumor immune responses and enhancing immunotherapy efficacy.
  • Combining autophagy-targeting agents with immunotherapies offers a potential strategy to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
Keywords:
AutophagyImmune resistanceImmune responseTumorTumor immunotherapy

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