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Analysis of Human T Cell Activity in an Allogeneic Co-Culture Setting of Pre-Treated Tumor Cells
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The immunomodulatory role of all-trans retinoic acid in tumor microenvironment

Guoshu Bi1, Jiaqi Liang1, Yunyi Bian1

  • 1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.

Clinical and Experimental Medicine
|July 13, 2022
PubMed

Insights

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) shows promise in cancer therapy by modulating the tumor microenvironment. ATRA enhances anti-tumor immunity by impacting myeloid-derived suppressor cells and CD8+ T cells, supporting its use in combination treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Retinoids, particularly all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), are vital nutrients with significant biological functions.
  • ATRA regulates gene transcription via nuclear receptors and retinoic acid response elements (RAREs).
  • ATRA exhibits differentiation-inducing effects in treating acute promyelocytic leukemia and certain solid tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of ATRA in cancer immunology and immunotherapy.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying ATRA's effects on immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME).
  • To explore the clinical potential of ATRA in cancer treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on ATRA's immunoregulatory functions in cancer.
  • Analysis of ATRA's impact on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and CD8+ T cells.
  • Examination of clinical trials and tumor models investigating ATRA in combination therapies.

Main Results:

  • ATRA effectively counteracts the immunosuppressive activity of tumor-infiltrating MDSCs.
  • ATRA enhances the anti-tumor immune response mediated by CD8+ T cells.
  • Combinations of ATRA with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), vaccines, and chemotherapy show significant investigation.

Conclusions:

  • ATRA plays a crucial role in modulating the TME and boosting anti-tumor immunity.
  • Understanding ATRA's mechanisms provides a basis for novel cancer immunotherapy approaches.
  • ATRA-based therapies hold considerable clinical significance for future cancer treatment.
Keywords:
ImmuneMyeloid-derived suppressor cellRetinoic acidRetinoidsTumor microenvironment

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