Neutrophil plasticity in the tumor microenvironment

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cancer Biology
• Cellular Plasticity

Background:

• Neutrophils are critical immune cells responding to infection and inflammation, including cancer.
• Neutrophil function is plastic, adapting to different inflammatory contexts like the tumor microenvironment.
• Diverse classifications exist for neutrophils in tumors (N1/N2, TANs, PMN-MDSCs), primarily based on function due to limited specific markers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review neutrophil polarization and plasticity in the context of cancer.
• To elucidate the functions of neutrophils as proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory and protumor/antitumor agents within the tumor microenvironment.
• To integrate the role of PMN-MDSCs (polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells) in cancer immunity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on neutrophil plasticity and function in cancer.
• Analysis of existing classifications and terminology for tumor-associated neutrophils.
• Discussion of functional phenotypes and their implications for T-cell suppression.

Main Results:

• Neutrophils exhibit significant functional plasticity within the tumor microenvironment.
• Classifications like N1/N2, tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), and PMN-MDSCs highlight diverse neutrophil roles.
• Neutrophils can exert both pro-tumor and anti-tumor effects, influencing cancer progression and immune responses.

Conclusions:

• Understanding neutrophil plasticity is crucial for deciphering their complex roles in cancer.
• Further research is needed to identify specific markers for distinct neutrophil subsets in tumors.
• Neutrophils, including PMN-MDSCs, significantly impact anti-cancer immunity and therapeutic strategies.