Editorial: Modulation of Human Immune Parameters by Anticancer Therapies

Abstract

Immunoncology is among the most important hallmarks of immunotherapy revolution of cancer medicine. Here, we compiled reviews and original research articles reflecting current developments in immunoncology. Novel therapies modulate the complex interaction between tumor and immune system (Figure 1). Multiparametric flow cytometry (FCM) is a key analytical tool contributing over 1,000 research articles/ year to the field. As a quantitative single-cell technology, FCM reliably and reproducibly identifies rare populations, detects subtle changes in modulatory signals, and assesses time-sensitive antigenic expression patterns. State-of-the-art equipment, fast sophisticated software, and flexibly labeled monoclonal antibodies allow rapid analyses with high sensitivity and specificity, even in routine applications. Lambert et al. explain how new analytes are added to the portfolio of diagnostic and research laboratories. Sample preparation, antibody titration, and appropriate controls are central in cytometric analysis and must be controlled with the necessary rigor and reproducibility (1). Although tumor cell analysis is a key application of cytometry (2, 3), this research topic is dedicated to the modulation of immune parameters, and we only included work focusing on tumorimmune-cell interaction and its disease-course impact. Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial in tumor protection (4). Lu et al. dissect the interaction of DCs with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, which can induce an immunosuppressive microenvironment and evade immune surveillance. Analysis of costimulatory molecules and pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines reveals new subpopulations of CD1c+ DCs in coculture with NSCLC. Particularly, the expression of signal molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines are suppressed, whereas the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines by DCs is upregulated, suggesting that NSCLC can induce tolerogenic DCs, blocking DC-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Chemokines and their corresponding receptors play a pivotal role in orchestrating trafficking of immune cells to fulfill their next tasks. CXCL10 has been associated with T cell recruitment into

Drug repurposing: A novel strategy to target cancer stem cells and therapeutic resistance

“… 28 In general, transformation can occur during tissue regeneration and is additionally initiated and/or accelerated as a response to various infections, toxins, and therapies such as radiation. 29 Overexpression of oncogenes and/or inactivation of tumor suppressors lead to uncontrolled cell growth; hence, the differentiated cell undergoes de-differentiation and acquires stem cell characteristics. 30 , 31 In the case of stem cells and their progeny, as they possess indefinite growth potential, minute genomic changes can lead to mutations and irregular cell divisions.…”