Neutrophils in cancer: dual roles through intercellular interactions

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells in human blood.
• In the tumor microenvironment (TME), neutrophils exhibit dual roles, promoting or inhibiting cancer progression.
• Cancer cells manipulate neutrophils, influencing their phenotype and function within the TME.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the pro- and anti-tumor intercellular interactions mediated by neutrophils.
• To generalize the mechanisms of neutrophil interactions with tumor cells and T cells.
• To provide an overview of therapeutic strategies targeting neutrophil-mediated interactions in cancer.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of existing research on neutrophil functions in cancer.
• Focus on intercellular communication mechanisms between neutrophils, tumor cells, and T cells.
• Synthesis of information on therapeutic interventions targeting neutrophils in the TME.

Main Results:

• Neutrophils can promote cancer initiation, growth, and metastasis (pro-tumor phenotype).
• Neutrophils can also induce cancer cell senescence and death (anti-tumor phenotype).
• Neutrophil interactions extend to other cells in the TME, including macrophages and stromal cells, modulating anti- or pro-tumor functions.

Conclusions:

• Neutrophil heterogeneity and plasticity are critical determinants of their role in cancer.
• Understanding neutrophil-TME interactions is essential for developing effective cancer therapies.
• Targeting neutrophil-mediated cellular interactions offers promising therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.