Montefiore Einstein Cancer Centre Discovers How Immune Cells Keep Cancer Dormant
Researchers at the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Centre have made a significant discovery about how the body’s immune system can prevent cancer from spreading. The study, led by Dr. Julio Aguirre-Ghiso, found that certain immune cells in the lungs, called alveolar macrophages, can keep cancer cells in a dormant state, preventing them from forming new tumors.
Understanding Cancer Dormancy
Cancer cells that spread from the original tumor are known as disseminated cancer cells (DCCs). Some DCCs can remain inactive for years, while others quickly form new tumors. The research team discovered that alveolar macrophages, which are immune cells in the lungs, play a crucial role in keeping these DCCs dormant by secreting a protein called TGF-b2.
Research Findings
The study involved experiments with mice and showed that when alveolar macrophages were depleted, the number of active DCCs increased, leading to more metastases. This suggests that these immune cells are vital in preventing cancer spread.
Potential for New Therapies
Dr. Aguirre-Ghiso believes that understanding how these immune cells work could lead to new treatments for metastatic cancer. By enhancing the signaling of macrophages, it might be possible to keep DCCs dormant indefinitely or prevent them from becoming resistant to dormancy signals.
Doubts Revealed
Montefiore Einstein Cancer Centre -: Montefiore Einstein Cancer Centre is a research and treatment center in the United States that focuses on studying and treating cancer. They work on finding new ways to understand and fight cancer.
Immune cells -: Immune cells are special cells in our body that help protect us from diseases and infections. They can also help control cancer by keeping cancer cells from growing.
Alveolar macrophages -: Alveolar macrophages are a type of immune cell found in the lungs. They help keep the lungs clean and can also stop cancer cells from growing into new tumors.
Dormant -: Dormant means inactive or asleep. In this context, it means that the cancer cells are not growing or spreading.
Metastatic cancer -: Metastatic cancer is when cancer cells spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body. It is more difficult to treat because it affects multiple areas.
Macrophage signaling -: Macrophage signaling refers to the way macrophages communicate with other cells. By enhancing this signaling, researchers hope to keep cancer cells dormant and prevent them from spreading.
Disseminated cancer cells (DCCs) -: Disseminated cancer cells are cancer cells that have spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body. They can stay dormant for a while before forming new tumors.
