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Opportunities for Nitric Oxide in Potentiating Cancer Immunotherapy

Jihoon Kim1, Susan N Thomas2

  • 1Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (J.K., S.N.T.), George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering (J.K., S.N.T.), and Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering (S.N.T.), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia; Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (S.N.T.); and Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju, South Korea (J.K.).

Pharmacological Reviews
|September 30, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Nitric oxide (NO) donors show promise in cancer therapy by modulating immune responses. Further research into exogenous NO

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Nitric oxide (NO) has demonstrated anticancer properties, but its clinical translation is hindered by incomplete understanding of its immune effects.
  • Exogenous NO's distinct actions from endogenous NO complicate therapeutic strategy development.
  • Despite decades of research, the precise mechanisms of NO in cancer immunotherapy remain to be fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of nitric oxide (NO) donors and delivery systems in modulating cancer immunogenicity and immune cell function.
  • To explore the complex interplay between exogenous NO and the immune system in the context of anticancer therapy.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of NO delivery systems for advancing anticancer immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on NO donors and delivery systems in cancer therapy.
  • Analysis of mechanistic studies on NO's effects on cancer cells and immune cells (in vitro).
  • Synthesis of recent in vivo findings on NO delivery systems for anticancer immunotherapy.

Main Results:

  • NO donors and delivery systems can modulate cancer cell immunogenicity.
  • Exogenous NO influences the differentiation and function of innate and adaptive immune cells.
  • Recent advancements show potential for NO delivery systems in enhancing anticancer immunotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding exogenous NO's immunomodulatory effects is crucial for clinical translation.
  • NO delivery systems offer a promising platform for developing novel anticancer immunotherapies.
  • Further research is needed to fully harness the therapeutic potential of NO in cancer treatment.

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