Targeting innate and adaptive immunity to suppress lung cancer metastasis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Lung cancer is a leading global cause of cancer mortality, with metastasis and recurrence driving poor outcomes.
• Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) necessitates novel immunomodulatory strategies.
• Immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play complex roles in lung cancer metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the dual roles of innate and adaptive immune cells in lung cancer progression and metastasis.
• To identify translational opportunities and prognostic biomarkers related to immune cell subsets.
• To propose targeting innate immunity as a strategy to enhance current lung cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical studies on immune cell interactions in lung cancer.
• Synthesis of evidence on the roles of T cells, B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and mast cells.
• Analysis of emerging immunomodulatory strategies and biomarkers.

Main Results:

• Both innate and adaptive immunity exhibit context-dependent roles in lung cancer metastasis.
• Dysregulation of innate immunity can create niches that facilitate tumor spread.
• Potential therapeutic targets include NK cell activation, macrophage reprogramming, and DC-based vaccines.
• Prognostic biomarkers such as peripheral NK activity and mast cell infiltration are identified.

Conclusions:

• Targeting innate immunity presents a promising strategy to overcome ICI resistance and combat lung cancer metastasis.
• Modulating immune cell subsets like NK cells, macrophages, and DCs can augment existing treatments.
• Further research into the intricate immune cell interplay within the TME is crucial for developing effective therapies.