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Updated: Dec 1, 2025

Production and Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species ROS in Cancers
07:17

Production and Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species ROS in Cancers

Published on: November 21, 2011

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Reactive oxygen species in immune cells: A new antitumor target

Ling Wang1, Zheng Kuang2, Duo Zhang3

  • 1Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China.

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|November 11, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Reactive oxygen species can suppress anti-tumor immune responses. Enhancing immune cell antioxidant capacity may improve cancer immunotherapy by targeting the tumor microenvironment.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Immune cells play a crucial role in controlling tumor growth.
  • Tumor growth can be promoted by immunosuppression linked to reactive oxygen species (ROS).
  • The antitumor efficacy of immune cells correlates with their antioxidant capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted role of ROS in the tumor microenvironment.
  • To elucidate the distinct effects of ROS on various immune cell populations.
  • To explore the potential of targeting antioxidant defenses for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on ROS and immune cells in cancer.
  • Analysis of the impact of ROS on myeloid-derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells, tumor-associated macrophages, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells.
  • Synthesis of findings regarding the relationship between antioxidant capacity and immune cell function.

Main Results:

  • ROS exhibit differential effects on various immune cells within the tumor microenvironment.
  • Increased ROS production often leads to immunosuppression, hindering anti-tumor responses.
  • Immune cells with higher antioxidant capacity demonstrate greater efficacy against tumors.

Conclusions:

  • The balance of ROS is critical in modulating immune responses within the tumor microenvironment.
  • Targeting antioxidant defense mechanisms in immune cells presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer.
  • Future cancer treatments may involve enhancing the antioxidant capacity of immune cells to bolster anti-tumor immunity.
Keywords:
AntioxidantImmune cellsImmunosuppressionReactive oxygen speciesTumor micro-environment

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