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Updated: Oct 10, 2025
Fast and Specific Assessment of the Halogenating Peroxidase Activity in Leukocyte-enriched Blood Samples
Published on: July 28, 2016
Myeloperoxidase: Growing importance in cancer pathogenesis and potential drug target
Paulina Valadez-Cosmes1, Sofia Raftopoulou1, Zala Nikita Mihalic1
1Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Abstract:
Myeloperoxidase is a heme-peroxidase which makes up approximately 5% of the total dry cell weight of neutrophils where it is predominantly found in the primary (azurophilic) granules. Other cell types, such as monocytes and certain macrophage subpopulations also contain myeloperoxidase, but to a much lesser extent. Initially, the function of myeloperoxidase had been mainly associated with its ability as a catalyzer of reactive oxidants that help to clear pathogens. However, over the past years non-canonical functions of myeloperoxidase have been described both in health and disease. Attention has been specially focused on inflammatory diseases, in which an exacerbate infiltration of leukocytes can favor a poorly-controlled production and release of myeloperoxidase and its oxidants. There is compelling evidence that myeloperoxidase derived oxidants contribute to tissue damage and the development and propagation of acute and chronic vascular inflammation. Recently, neutrophils have attracted much attention within the large diversity of innate immune cells that are part of the tumor microenvironment. In particular, neutrophil-derived myeloperoxidase may play an important role in cancer development and progression. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the roles of myeloperoxidase in the development and progression of cancer. We propose future research approaches and explore prospects of inhibiting myeloperoxidase as a strategy to fight against cancer.
Insights
Myeloperoxidase (MPO), found in neutrophils, traditionally aids pathogen clearance. Emerging research highlights its non-canonical roles in inflammation and cancer progression, suggesting MPO inhibition as a potential cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a heme-peroxidase abundant in neutrophils, playing a key role in pathogen clearance via reactive oxidants.
- Beyond its canonical function, MPO exhibits non-canonical roles in inflammatory diseases, contributing to tissue damage and vascular inflammation.
- Neutrophils and MPO are increasingly recognized as significant components of the tumor microenvironment, influencing cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of myeloperoxidase's multifaceted roles in cancer development and progression.
- To explore the potential of targeting MPO as a therapeutic strategy against cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on myeloperoxidase's functions in inflammation and cancer.
- Analysis of existing research on neutrophil involvement in the tumor microenvironment.
- Synthesis of evidence linking MPO-derived oxidants to cancer pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Myeloperoxidase contributes to tissue damage in inflammatory conditions.
- Neutrophil-derived MPO plays a significant role in cancer development and progression.
- MPO-derived oxidants are implicated in the propagation of vascular inflammation and potentially cancer.
Conclusions:
- Myeloperoxidase has critical, yet often overlooked, roles in cancer biology.
- Inhibiting myeloperoxidase presents a promising therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate MPO's mechanisms in cancer and optimize therapeutic strategies.
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