Researchers at Ludwig Cancer Research have discovered how brain tumors manage to transform immune cells, called neutrophils, into “traitors” that contribute to the spread of cancer.
- A study from Ludwig Cancer Research has for the first time comprehensively analyzed immune cells known as neutrophils, which reside in brain tumors.
- Researchers have thus shed light on the role of neutrophils, immune cells, in the spread of brain cancer.
- The tumor is able to modify them to promote tumor growth as well as metastasis.
A study, carried out by Ludwig Cancer Research, explains how brain tumors manage to manipulate immune cells, called neutrophils, and transform them so that they become part of malignant growth. Their discovery is detailed in the journal cell since September 27, 2023.
Brain: tumors attract immune cells to transform them
By focusing on the activity of myeloid immune cells in the presence of brain cancer, the Swiss team noticed that neutrophils – which are also myeloid cells – accumulate in large numbers in brain tumors. They are especially present in the most aggressive types of gliomas and brain metastases. To understand this phenomenon, researchers analyzed more than 190 brain tumor samples from patients and repeated studies on mouse brains.
They thus discovered thathe cells cluster around malformed blood vessels in tumors and turn off gene expression programs that induce cell death. Which promotes the survival of cancer cells. In addition, transformed neutrophils produce molecules that stimulate the formation of blood vessels in tumors. On the other hand, they are stopping their production of Reactive Oxygen Derivatives (DRO)substances that kill pathogens.
“But it turns out that neurotrophils are not only victims of immunosuppression. They are also its authors. Researchers show that these cells grouped together around blood vessels tumors“associate and apparently suppress cytotoxic T lymphocytes, the front-line forces of the immune system that kill cancer cells and are engaged by most approved immunotherapies”write the scientists in their communicated.
Transformed neutrophils: two inflammatory factors identified
Researchers have identified two inflammatory factors responsible for the transformation of neutrophils into promoters of malignant growth. This is the signaling molecule TNF-α and some ceruloplasmina porous copper protein. These elements can be produced both by neutrophils themselves and by other immune cells, such as macrophages and microglia.
“Our study shows for the first time how the micro-environment “The brain tumor attracts and disarms infiltrating neutrophils, extends their lifespan – which is otherwise relatively short – and transforms them into cells that suppress anti-cancer immune responses while directing the generation of blood vessels that fuel the growing cancer.”explains Johanna Joyce of Ludwig Lausanneresponsible for the work.
“Our identification of specific cellular and molecular factors that can transform neutrophils into immunosuppressive and pro-tumor agents in the tumor environment opens the door to the development of therapeutic approaches to make brain cancers more responsive to immunotherapy” estimated Roeltje Maas one of the main authors.
