Tumors are infiltrated by many immune cells that influence many aspects of cancer progression and outcome. Among tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, γδ T cells play dual functions in the tumor milieu; whereas those that produce the antitumor cytokine interferon-γ are protective, their counterparts that make interleukin 17 (IL-17) support tumor growth. Here, the authors found that IL-17+ γδ T cells express very low levels of the antioxidant, glutathione, and are very sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus revealing their Achilles' heel.
Os tumores são infiltrados por várias células do sistema imunitário que influenciam diversos aspectos da progressão tumoral. As células T γδ são linfócitos que infiltram o tumor e que podem ter papéis opostos na progressão tumoral, dependendo das citocinas que produzem. Enquanto as células produtoras da citocina IFN-γ são protectoras, as produtoras de IL-17 promovem o crescimento tumoral.
A team of researchers from Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM) has uncovered an unexpected cellular cross-talk behind ovarian cancer growth that can be exploited as a novel therapeutic target for future immuno-oncology strategies. The work reveals that gamma delta (γδ) T lymphocytes, which are normally seen as anti-tumour, can, surprisingly, promote tumour growth in ovarian cancer. The research, led by Prof. Bruno Silva-Santos, has now been published in PNAS (Proceedings of the Natural Academy of Sciences of the USA).
Investigadores do Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM) descobriram um novo mecanismo imunitário envolvido na progressão do cancro de ovário. O estudo mostra que a comunicação entre dois tipos de células do sistema imunitário – os linfócitos T gama-delta (γδ) e os macrófagos – promove a proliferação de células de cancro de ovário na cavidade peritoneal.
