Innate Immune Cells in Breast Cancer - From Villains to Heroes?

Kees, T., Egeblad, M. (July 2011) Innate Immune Cells in Breast Cancer - From Villains to Heroes? Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia, 16 (3). pp. 189-203. ISSN 1573-7039 (Electronic)1083-3021 (Linking)

Abstract

The innate immune system ensures effective protection against foreign pathogens and plays important roles in tissue remodeling. There are many types of innate immune cells, including monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and granulocytes. Interestingly, these cells accumulate in most solid tumors, including those of the breast. There, they play a tumor-promoting role through secretion of growth and angiogenic factors, as well as immunosuppressive molecules. This is in strong contrast to the tumor-suppressing effects that innate immune cells exert in vitro upon proper activation. Therapeutic approaches have been developed with the aim of achieving similar suppressive activities in vivo. However, multiple factors in the tumor microenvironment, many of which are immunosuppressive, represent a major obstacle to effective treatment. Here, we discuss the potential of combating breast cancer through activation of the innate immune system, including possible strategies to enhance the success of immunotherapy.

Item Type: Paper
Uncontrolled Keywords: Innate immune cells; Immunotherapy; Macrophages; Tumor microenvironment; Tumor-suppressing immune activities
Subjects: diseases & disorders > cancer
diseases & disorders
diseases & disorders > cancer > cancer types > breast cancer
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions > cell types
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions > cell types
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions > cell types
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions > cell types > immune cell
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions > cell types > immune cell
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions > cell types > immune cell
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions
diseases & disorders > cancer > cancer types
CSHL Authors:
Communities: CSHL labs > Egeblad lab
CSHL Post Doctoral Fellows
Depositing User: Matt Covey
Date: 26 July 2011
Date Deposited: 06 Feb 2013 22:24
Last Modified: 02 May 2013 19:39
Related URLs:
URI: https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/27142

Actions (login required)

Administrator's edit/view item Administrator's edit/view item