Immune System-Tumor Crosstalk Under Microgravity: Mechanistic Insights, Challenges, and Translational Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Spaceflight and Cancer Research
• Immunology and Oncology
• Cellular Biology and Space Medicine

Background:

• Immune evasion is a key challenge in cancer therapy.
• Spaceflight stressors like microgravity impact immune homeostasis.
• Microgravity alters cellular processes and oncogenic pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the dual role of microgravity in cancer progression and immune function.
• To synthesize findings on microgravity's effects on tumor-immune interactions.
• To explore translational opportunities for oncology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of microgravity's effects on cancer and immunity.
• Analysis of cellular and molecular changes under microgravity.
• Synthesis of findings on immune evasion and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• Microgravity affects cell proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, and signaling pathways (NF-κB, ERK1/2).
• Microgravity disrupts immune regulation, potentially aiding tumor progression and treatment resistance.
• Upregulation of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) under microgravity may worsen inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Microgravity presents complex effects on cancer, potentially enhancing immune evasion.
• Insights from microgravity research offer translational opportunities for terrestrial oncology.
• Further research is needed to optimize cancer immunotherapy in space and on Earth.