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Immunomodulatory role of metalloproteases in cancers: Current progress and future trends

Qi Wang1, Kai Wang2, Xiaojing Tan3

  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.

Frontiers in Immunology
|January 2, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Metalloproteinases (MPs) are key in cancer development and metastasis. This review details their structure, function, and crucial immunomodulatory roles in cancer, offering insights for future diagnosis and immunotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Metalloproteinases (MPs) are a diverse enzyme family crucial for physiological processes.
  • MPs, including Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), ADAMs, and ADAMTS, are implicated in various cancers.
  • Their roles extend to regulating tumor microenvironment and signal transduction pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure, expression, and immunomodulatory functions of MPs in cancer.
  • To consolidate current research on MP mechanisms in tumor genesis, invasion, and metastasis.
  • To provide an update on recent advances and future directions for MP-targeted cancer diagnosis and immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research progress on Metalloproteinases in cancer.
  • Analysis of MP structure, expression patterns, and functional roles.
  • Synthesis of information on immunomodulatory mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • MPs play significant roles in cancer progression, including tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis.
  • MPs exhibit critical immunomodulatory functions within the tumor microenvironment.
  • Their involvement in regulating signaling pathways highlights their therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

  • Metalloproteinases are vital regulators in cancer, influencing both tumor progression and immune responses.
  • Targeting MPs offers promising avenues for novel cancer diagnostic and immunotherapeutic strategies.
  • Further research into MP mechanisms is essential for advancing cancer treatment.
Keywords:
cancersdiagnosisimmunomodulatorymetalloproteasestherapy

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