The Neutrophil-NET Axis in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Roles, Biomarkers...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a poor prognosis due to late diagnosis, heterogeneity, and treatment resistance.
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) improve outcomes for some NSCLC patients, but resistance is common.
• Neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are implicated in NSCLC progression and resistance to therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of neutrophils and NETs in NSCLC.
• To explore their contribution to resistance against ICIs.
• To identify potential therapeutic strategies targeting neutrophils and NETs.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature.
• Analysis of biological features, molecular pathways, and inducing factors of neutrophils and NETs in NSCLC.
• Synthesis of evidence on their role as biomarkers for ICI efficacy and prognosis.

Main Results:

• Neutrophils and NETs remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME) in NSCLC.
• NETs mediate immunosuppression and promote an immune-excluded TME, driving resistance to immunotherapy.
• Evidence supports neutrophils and NETs as biomarkers for ICI efficacy and prognosis.

Conclusions:

• Neutrophils and NETs play a significant role in NSCLC progression and resistance to ICIs.
• Targeting neutrophils and NETs offers a promising strategy for enhancing immunotherapy efficacy in NSCLC.
• Further research into therapeutic and combination strategies is warranted.