A new dawn for eosinophils in the tumour microenvironment

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Eosinophils are versatile immune cells with crucial roles in allergic responses.
• These cells infiltrate tumors and influence cancer progression through direct interactions and by modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of eosinophil biology relevant to their function within the TME.
• To examine eosinophil homing mechanisms, their dual pro- and anti-tumorigenic roles, and their potential in cancer immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on eosinophil function in cancer.
• Analysis of mechanisms governing eosinophil recruitment and activity in the tumor microenvironment.
• Review of data on eosinophils as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer immunotherapy.

Main Results:

• Eosinophils exhibit context-dependent functions in cancer, capable of both promoting tumor growth and mediating anti-tumor immunity.
• Their secreted molecules, including granule proteins and soluble mediators, can directly affect tumor cells and remodel the TME.
• Eosinophils show promise as predictive biomarkers and effector cells, particularly in response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy.

Conclusions:

• Eosinophils possess multifaceted roles in cancer, influencing tumor progression and response to therapy.
• Understanding eosinophil biology in the TME is crucial for developing novel cancer treatments and immunotherapies.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate eosinophil functions and harness their potential in clinical oncology.