Basophils in Tumor Microenvironment and Surroundings.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• Basophils are leukocytes expressing FcεRI for IgE, releasing mediators like histamine and cytokines (IL-4, IL-13).
• Mouse models reveal similarities and differences with human basophils, aiding in vivo studies of immune disorders and tumor immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the multifaceted roles of basophils in tumor immunity.
• To explore the dual pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects of basophils in various cancers.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on basophil functions in immune responses and cancer.
• Analysis of basophil involvement in experimental and human tumor microenvironments (TME).

Main Results:

• Activated basophils release proangiogenic factors (VEGF-A, VEGF-B, CXCL8, ANGPT1, HGF).
• Basophils can exert anti-tumorigenic effects via granzyme B, TNF-α, and histamine.
• Basophils are associated with hematologic and solid tumors, found in TME of lung and pancreatic cancers, and play roles in melanoma and pancreatic cancer models.

Conclusions:

• The precise roles of basophils in cancer immunity are largely unknown and require further complex investigation.
• Understanding whether basophils are allies, adversaries, or bystanders in cancer necessitates advanced experimental and clinical studies.