Gold Compounds and the Anticancer Immune Response
Ling Zhou1, Huiguo Liu1, Kui Liu1
1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
Gold compounds are not only well-explored for cytotoxic effects on tumors, but are also known to interact with the cancer immune system. The immune system deploys innate and adaptive mechanisms to protect against pathogens and prevent malignant transformation. The combined action of gold compounds with the activated immune system has shown promising results in cancer therapy through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Gold compounds are known to induce innate immune responses; however, these responses may contribute to adaptive immune responses. Gold compounds play the role of a major hapten that acts synergistically in innate immunity. Gold compounds support cancer cell antigenicity and promote anti-tumor immune response by inducing the release of CRT, ATP, HMGB1, HSP, and NKG2D to enhance immunogenicity. Gold compounds affect various immune cells (including suppressor regulatory T cells), inhibit myeloid derived suppressor cells, and enhance the function and number of dendritic cells. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have potential for improving the effect of immunotherapy and reducing the toxicity and side effects of the treatment process. Thus, AuNPs provide an ideal opportunity for exploring the combination of anticancer gold compounds and immunotherapeutic interventions.
Insights
Gold compounds enhance anti-tumor immunity by boosting cancer cell visibility and modulating immune cells. Gold nanoparticles show promise for improving cancer immunotherapy efficacy and reducing treatment side effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Gold compounds are recognized for their cytotoxic effects on tumors and their interactions with the cancer immune system.
- The immune system utilizes innate and adaptive mechanisms to combat pathogens and prevent malignant transformation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the synergistic effects of gold compounds and activated immune responses in cancer therapy.
- To investigate the potential of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in enhancing immunotherapy and mitigating treatment-related toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vivo and in vitro experimental findings on gold compounds and cancer immunotherapy.
- Analysis of gold compounds' role in inducing innate and adaptive immune responses.
- Examination of AuNPs' impact on immune cell function and cancer cell immunogenicity.
Main Results:
- Gold compounds act as haptens, enhancing innate immunity and cancer cell antigenicity.
- Gold compounds promote anti-tumor responses by releasing CRT, ATP, HMGB1, HSP, and NKG2D, increasing immunogenicity.
- Gold compounds modulate immune cells, inhibiting suppressor cells and enhancing dendritic cell function.
Conclusions:
- Gold compounds synergize with the immune system, supporting anti-tumor responses and enhancing cancer cell immunogenicity.
- Gold nanoparticles offer a promising platform for combining anticancer gold compounds with immunotherapeutic interventions, improving efficacy and reducing side effects.
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