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Cancer stem cell immunology and immunotherapy: Harnessing the immune system against cancer's source
Roberto Ruiu1, Lidia Tarone1, Valeria Rolih1
1Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
Abstract:
Despite recent advances in diagnosis and therapy having improved cancer outcome, many patients still do not respond to treatments, resulting in the progression or relapse of the disease, eventually impairing survival expectations. The limited efficacy of therapy is often attributable to its inability to affect cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small population of cells resistant to current radio- and chemo-therapies. CSCs are characterized by self-renewal and tumor-initiating capabilities, and function as a reservoir for the local and distant recurrence of the disease. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches able to effectively target and deplete CSCs are urgently needed. Immunotherapy is facing a renewed interest for its potential in cancer treatment, and the possibility of harnessing the immune system to target CSCs is being addressed by a new exciting research field. In this chapter, we discuss the cancer stem cell model and illustrate CSC biological and molecular properties, critically addressing theoretical and practical issues linked with their definition and study. We then review the existing literature regarding the immunological properties of CSCs and the complex interplay occurring between CSCs and immune cells. Finally, we present up-to-date studies on CSC immunotargeting and its potential future perspective. In conclusion, understanding the interplay between CSC biology and tumor immunology will provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that regulate CSC immunological properties. This will contribute to the design of new CSC-directed immunotherapeutic strategies with the potential of strongly improving cancer outcomes.
Insights
Targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) is crucial for improving cancer treatment. Harnessing immunotherapy to target these resistant CSCs offers a promising new strategy to enhance patient survival and prevent disease recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Current cancer therapies often fail due to resistance from cancer stem cells (CSCs).
- CSCs possess self-renewal and tumor-initiating properties, driving disease progression and recurrence.
- There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies that can effectively target CSCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cancer stem cell model, including their biological and molecular characteristics.
- To examine the immunological properties of CSCs and their interactions with immune cells.
- To present current research and future perspectives on immunotargeting CSCs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of CSC biology and immunology.
- Analysis of existing studies on CSC-directed immunotherapy.
- Discussion of theoretical and practical challenges in CSC research.
Main Results:
- CSCs are a key factor in therapeutic resistance and disease relapse.
- Understanding CSC-tumor immunology interplay is essential for effective targeting.
- Immunotherapy presents a viable approach to target CSCs.
Conclusions:
- Targeting CSCs via immunotherapy holds significant potential for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
- Further research into CSC-immune interactions will guide the development of novel CSC-directed immunotherapies.
- This approach may lead to more effective strategies against cancer progression and recurrence.