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The neuro-immune oncology axis
Fabien Vanden Abeele1, Michel Salzet2
1Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1192 - Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse - PRISM, F-59000 Lille, France.
Cancer Letters
|October 1, 2025
Summary
Cancer progression is influenced by the neuro-immune axis, where neural stem cells interact with immune cells. Targeting this communication offers new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Cancer traditionally viewed as a genetic disease.
- Emerging evidence highlights the tumor microenvironment's role, especially neuro-immune interactions.
- Neural progenitor cells migrate from the central nervous system (CNS) to peripheral tumors, influencing cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular and cellular mechanisms of the neuro-immune axis in cancer.
- To examine how neural inputs shape immune evasion and tumor progression.
- To discuss clinical relevance and therapeutic strategies targeting neuro-immune interactions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neuro-immune crosstalk in cancer.
- Analysis of molecular signaling pathways (neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, ion channels).
- Examination of specific cancer types (prostate, breast, lung, pancreatic).
Main Results:
- CNS-derived neural progenitors establish networks and communicate with immune cells.
- Neurotransmitter, neuropeptide, and ion channel signaling mediate cross-talk between nerves, immune cells, and cancer cells.
- Tumor innervation correlates with prognosis and treatment response.
Conclusions:
- Cancer can be viewed as a disease of disrupted neuro-immune communication.
- Targeting the neuro-immune axis presents promising therapeutic opportunities.
- Neuromodulatory drugs and nerve stimulation show potential for enhancing antitumor immunity.
Keywords:
CancersCytokinesIon channelsNeuroendocrine neoplasmNeuroimmunityNeuropeptidesNeurotransmittersOncologySignalingMore Related Videos
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