Parasites' immunomodulators: a breakthrough in immunotherapeutics displaying antineoplastic activity against human
Nahla El Skhawy1, Ahmed Shehata2, Maha M Eissa3
1Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt. nahla.elskhawy@alexmed.edu.eg.
Abstract:
The complex interplay between parasites and cancer is yielding promising advances in the field of cancer therapeutics. This study explored the in vitro anti-cancer potential of parasite immunomodulators (antigens and antibodies) of Schistosoma mansoni, Trichinella spiralis, and Toxoplasma gondii on human HT-29 colorectal and HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells using the MTT assay. Results revealed that those parasites' immunomodulators exhibited antineoplastic activity and demonstrated a statistically significant inhibition of both cancer cell lines' proliferation (P ˂0.05). Notably, Trichinella spiralis antigens and antibodies and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies demonstrated the most statistically significant inhibitory effects on HT-29 colorectal cancer cells (36.65%, 49.9% and 50.43% respectively). For HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells, Trichinella spiralis antigens and antibodies, as well as Toxoplasma gondii antigen, displayed the most statistically significant inhibitory effects (38.27%, 48.25% and 34.68% respectively). Interestingly, parasitic antibodies are particularly noteworthy, exhibiting the most significant inhibitory effects on both cancer cell lines. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the antineoplastic activity of parasites' antibodies against human colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. These findings could enlighten the path for promising cancer therapeutic candidates. Future research should explore the antineoplastic potential of a broader range of parasites' immunomodulators and identify their mechanisms of action. This could represent a qualitative shift towards the development of innovative cancer therapeutic antibodies and cancer vaccine candidates of parasitic origin for cancer-targeted immunotherapy.
Insights
Parasite immunomodulators, including antigens and antibodies from Schistosoma mansoni, Trichinella spiralis, and Toxoplasma gondii, show significant anti-cancer effects against colorectal and liver cancer cells in vitro. Parasitic antibodies were particularly effective, suggesting potential for novel cancer immunotherapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Oncology
Background:
- The interaction between parasites and cancer presents novel therapeutic opportunities.
- Parasite-derived molecules are being investigated for their immunomodulatory and anti-cancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro anti-cancer potential of immunomodulators from Schistosoma mansoni, Trichinella spiralis, and Toxoplasma gondii.
- To assess the efficacy of parasite antigens and antibodies against human colorectal (HT-29) and hepatocellular (HepG2) carcinoma cell lines.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study utilizing the MTT assay.
- Exposure of HT-29 and HepG2 cancer cell lines to parasite immunomodulators.
- Statistical analysis of cell proliferation inhibition.
Main Results:
- Parasite immunomodulators demonstrated statistically significant antineoplastic activity against both cancer cell lines (P <0.05).
- Trichinella spiralis antigens/antibodies and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies showed significant inhibition of HT-29 cells.
- Trichinella spiralis antigens/antibodies and Toxoplasma gondii antigen were most effective against HepG2 cells.
- Parasitic antibodies exhibited the most potent inhibitory effects on both cancer types.
Conclusions:
- Parasite immunomodulators, especially antibodies, possess significant anti-cancer activity against colorectal and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- This study is the first to report the antineoplastic effects of parasite antibodies on these human cancer types.
- Findings suggest potential for developing parasitic-derived antibodies and vaccines for cancer immunotherapy.
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