Prostaglandins, immunity and their effect on tumour growth

Since their discovery in 1935, prostaglandins (PGs) and their function in human biology have been the focus of much research. Recently, the role of PGs in immunity has been the subject of an increasing number of studies, especially in those immune reactions dealing with inflammation and tumour growth. The results from these studies suggest that the effects of immunocompetent cells on the synthesis of or cellular responsiveness to PGs may explain some of the immune response alterations found in certain diseases. In light of the current surge of investigations regarding these important topics and their potential clinical application, it was felt that a cursory overview of the immunoregulatory role of PGs would be of interest as well as timely.