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Cancer-associated immune cells and their modulation by melatonin
Shirin Hekmatirad1, Milad Moloudizargari2, Marjan Fallah3
1Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology
|July 25, 2023
Summary
Melatonin positively impacts the tumor immune microenvironment by modulating immune cells, preventing cancer progression, and enhancing anti-tumor responses. This safe molecule shows potential for combination therapy to improve cancer treatment efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Immune cells are crucial in tumor progression and the tumor microenvironment.
- Current immunotherapies have limited patient response rates.
- There is a need for safe, effective drugs to augment anti-tumor immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the modulatory effects of melatonin on the tumor immune microenvironment.
- To explore melatonin's potential as an adjunct cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
- Inclusion of English-language studies on tumor immune microenvironment and melatonin.
Main Results:
- Melatonin inhibits M2 macrophage polarization and cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) formation.
- It reduces cancer cell stemness and influences tumor-exosome composition and secretion.
- Melatonin generally protects the tumor immune microenvironment from detrimental tumor effects.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin demonstrates broad beneficial effects on tumor microenvironment components.
- Its safety profile and multifaceted actions suggest potential for combination with conventional immunotherapies.
- Melatonin can enhance the efficacy of immune-targeted cancer treatments.
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