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Isolation and Characterization of Neutrophils with Anti-Tumor Properties
Published on: June 19, 2015
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Dissecting neutrophil complexity in cancer.
Andrea Ponzetta1, Alberto Mantovani1,2,3, Sebastien Jaillon1,2
1Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano (Mi), Italy.
Emerging Topics in Life Sciences
|February 2, 2021
Summary
Neutrophils, once thought only for inflammation, are now known to impact cancer initiation, growth, and metastasis. Understanding tumor-associated neutrophils offers new therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocytes in human blood.
- Traditionally, their function was limited to phagocytosis and antimicrobial activity during inflammation.
- Emerging research reveals neutrophils' complex roles in cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of neutrophils in tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis.
- To explore the dual pro-tumor and antitumor effects of neutrophils.
- To discuss the clinical significance and therapeutic targeting of tumor-associated neutrophils.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent investigations on neutrophils in cancer.
- Analysis of studies demonstrating neutrophil heterogeneity in cancer.
- Synthesis of data on clinical significance and therapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- Neutrophils exhibit both pro-tumor and antitumor functions in cancer.
- Tumor-associated neutrophils display significant heterogeneity.
- Neutrophil involvement spans tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophils play a complex and heterogeneous role in cancer.
- Targeting tumor-associated neutrophils presents a promising avenue for cancer therapy.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate neutrophil functions in oncology.
