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Published on: May 10, 2024
Human eosinophils exert antitumorigenic effects on chordoma
Wang Ying1,2, Li Peng2, Bai Jingqiao3
1Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Background:
Chordoma is a devastating rare tumor with a poor prognosis, limited therapeutic options and a high recurrence rate. The exploration of novel therapeutic targets has important clinical significance in chordoma diagnosis, treatment, and outcome prediction.
Methods:
In this study, chordoma patients with histopathologically verified disease and KI67 proliferation index data were enrolled. The peripheral eosinophil counts of chordoma patients were summarized, the antitumor effects of eosinophils against chordoma cells were investigated using a coculture experiment, and the potential mechanisms were analyzed.
Results:
The chordoma patients were classified into two groups according to KI67 proliferation index: 1) ≤ 5% (n = 62), and 2) > 5% (n = 80). The results showed that peripheral eosinophil and tumor-infiltrated eosinophil counts decreased with increased KI67 proliferation index, peripheral eosinophil counts deceased after tumor recurrence, and eosinophils could inhibit chordoma cells proliferation by inducing apoptosis and secreting inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-2 and IFN-γ); moreover, this apoptotic effect could be reversed by blocking TNF-α.
Conclusions:
The current study suggests that eosinophils may be a new target for immunotherapy against chordoma.
Insights
Eosinophils may be a novel target for chordoma immunotherapy. Lower eosinophil counts correlate with higher tumor proliferation and recurrence, but eosinophils can inhibit chordoma cell growth.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chordoma is a rare, aggressive cancer with limited treatment options and high recurrence rates.
- Identifying new therapeutic targets is crucial for improving chordoma patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of eosinophils in chordoma.
- To explore eosinophils as a potential immunotherapy target for chordoma.
Main Methods:
- Chordoma patient data, including KI67 proliferation index and peripheral eosinophil counts, were analyzed.
- Eosinophil antitumor effects on chordoma cells were assessed via coculture experiments.
- Mechanisms of eosinophil action, including cytokine secretion and apoptosis induction, were investigated.
Main Results:
- Peripheral and tumor-infiltrated eosinophil counts decreased with higher KI67 proliferation index.
- Eosinophil levels were lower in patients with recurrent chordoma.
- Eosinophils inhibited chordoma cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis, partly via TNF-α secretion.
Conclusions:
- Eosinophils demonstrate antitumor activity against chordoma cells.
- Eosinophil-mediated apoptosis can be reversed by blocking TNF-α.
- Eosinophils represent a promising new target for chordoma immunotherapy.
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