Neutrophils in cancer, a love-hate affair Articles uri icon

publication date

  • July 2022

start page

  • 3692

end page

  • 3703

issue

  • 13

volume

  • 289

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1742-464X

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1742-4658

abstract

  • Neutrophils dominate the immunological landscape of multiple types of solid tumours in mice and humans and exert different pro- or antitumoral activity. This functional heterogeneity has prompted a search for different subsets and classifications of tumour-infiltrating neutrophils with the idea of better delineating their specific roles in cancer. In this review, we describe current studies that highlight specific mechanisms by which neutrophils exert pro- or antitumoral function and focus on how distinct tumour types induce unique functional states in neutrophils, co-opt granulopoiesis, modulate neutrophil ageing and prolong the neutrophil life span. In addition, we discuss how the tissue-specific tumour stroma and the stage of the cancer influence the function and number of tumour-infiltrating neutrophils. Finally, we explore different approaches to enhance the therapeutic efficacy in cancer types dominated by neutrophils.

subjects

  • Biology and Biomedicine

keywords

  • granulopoiesis; immunomodulation; neutrophil heterogeneity; prometastatic neutrophils; tumour stroma; tumour-associated neutrophils