Immunity, inflammation, and cancer: an eternal fight between good and evil Shabnam Shalapour, Michael Karin J Clin Invest. 2015;125(9):3347-3355. Cancer development and its response to therapy are strongly influenced by innate and adaptive immunity, which either promote or attenuate tumorigenesis and can have opposing effects on therapeutic outcome. Chronic inflammation promotes tumor development, progression, and metastatic dissemination, as well as treatment resistance. However, cancer development and malignant progression are also associated with accumulation of genetic alterations and loss of normal regulatory processes, which cause expression of tumor-specific antigens and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) that can activate antitumor immune responses. Although signals that trigger acute inflammatory reactions often stimulate dendritic cell maturation and antigen presentation, chronic inflammation can be immunosuppressive. This antagonism between inflammation and immunity also affects the outcome of cancer treatment and needs to be considered when designing new therapeutic approaches. Inflammation and immunity play complex and often conflicting roles in cancer development and progression. While acute inflammation can trigger anti-tumor immune responses, chronic inflammation can promote tumor growth and metastasis. Furthermore, cancer treatment can induce inflammatory responses that may either enhance or suppress immune responses against the tumor. Inflammation and tumor progression: signaling pathways and targeted intervention Huakan Zhao, Lei Wu, Guifang Yan, Yu Chen, Mingyue Zhou, Yongzhong Wu, Yongsheng Li Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2021 Jul 12;6(1):263. Cancer development and its response to therapy are regulated by inflammation, which either promotes or suppresses tumor progression, potentially displaying opposing effects on therapeutic outcomes. Chronic inflammation facilitates tumor progression and treatment resistance, whereas induction of acute inflammatory reactions often stimulates the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) and antigen presentation, leading to anti-tumor immune responses. In addition, multiple signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT), toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways, cGAS/STING, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK); inflammatory factors, including cytokines (e.g., interleukin (IL), interferon (IFN), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α), chemokines (e.g., C-C motif chemokine ligands (CCLs) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligands (CXCLs)), growth factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β), and inflammasome; as well as inflammatory metabolites including prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxane, and specialized proresolving mediators (SPM), have been identified as pivotal regulators of the initiation and resolution of inflammation. Nowadays, local irradiation, recombinant cytokines, neutralizing antibodies, small-molecule inhibitors, DC vaccines, oncolytic viruses, TLR agonists, and SPM have been developed to specifically modulate inflammation in cancer therapy, with some of these factors already undergoing clinical trials. Herein, we discuss the initiation and resolution of inflammation, the crosstalk between tumor development and inflammatory processes. We also highlight potential targets for harnessing inflammation in the treatment of cancer. Inflammation and immunity have a complex and intertwined relationship with cancer development. Chronic inflammation can promote tumor growth, while the immune system can play a role in both suppressing and promoting cancer. Tumor-associated inflammation, fueled by interactions between cancer cells and surrounding immune cells, can create a microenvironment that supports tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. Here's a more detailed look at the relationship: 1. Chronic Inflammation and Cancer Development: Increased Cancer Risk: Chronic inflammation, often associated with obesity, infections, or autoimmune diseases, increases the risk of developing several cancers, including gastric, colon, and hepatic cancers. Tumor Promotion: Chronic inflammation can contribute to tumor initiation, growth, and progression by promoting angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), genomic instability, and immunosuppression. Feedforward Loop: Cancer cells can recruit more inflammatory cells into the tumor microenvironment, creating a cycle that perpetuates inflammation and promotes tumor growth. Examples: Obesity-induced inflammation, for instance, can increase the risk of certain cancers. 2. The Role of the Immune System in Cancer: Immunosurveillance: The immune system can recognize and eliminate cancer cells through immunosurveillance, a process that involves various immune cells like T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Tumor-Associated Antigens: Cancer cells can express tumor-specific antigens and tumor-associated antigens, which can activate anti-tumor immune responses. Anti-tumor Immune Responses: These responses can lead to tumor cell destruction and can be enhanced by therapies like immunotherapy. Immunosuppression: However, cancer cells can also evade immune responses by suppressing the activity of immune cells or by expressing molecules that inhibit their function. Examples: Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of immunotherapy that blocks immune cells from being turned off, allowing them to attack cancer cells more effectively. 3. The Interplay between Inflammation and Immunity: Dual Role: Inflammation can have both anti-tumor and pro-tumor effects. Acute inflammatory reactions can stimulate dendritic cell maturation and antigen presentation, leading to anti-tumor immune responses. Chronic Inflammation and Immunosuppression: Chronic inflammation can be immunosuppressive, hindering the body's ability to mount effective anti-tumor responses. Complex Interactions: The interaction between inflammation and immunity is complex and can vary depending on the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and the individual's immune status. Therapeutic Implications: Understanding the interplay between inflammation and immunity is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies that can harness the power of the immune system to combat cancer. Immunity, Inflammation, and Cancer - PMC Chronic inflammation associated with infections or autoimmune disease precedes tumor development and can contribute to it through ... National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov) Immunity, inflammation, and cancer: an eternal fight between ... Sep 1, 2015 — Cancer development and its response to therapy are strongly influenced by innate and adaptive immunity, which either pr... JCI Review Inflammation and Cancer: Triggers, Mechanisms, and ... Jul 16, 2019 — Thus, our current view of inflammatory processes in the immune system during carcinogenesis can be distilled to the fo... ScienceDirect.com Show all This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. Generative AI is experimental. Acupuncture may offer benefits in managing cancer-related inflammation and boosting the immune system. It can help reduce inflammation by modulating inflammatory pathways and potentially stimulating the immune system to fight cancer. Some research suggests acupuncture can also improve immune function and reduce fatigue in cancer patients, particularly after chemotherapy. Here's a more detailed look at how acupuncture might relate to inflammation, immunity, and cancer: Acupuncture and Inflammation: Anti-inflammatory effects: . Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation in animal models, including those with inflammation and pain. Modulating inflammatory pathways: . Acupuncture may modulate inflammatory pathways by influencing the release of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and CRP. Neuro-immune interactions: . Acupuncture can activate the vagus nerve and other neuro-immune pathways, potentially influencing immune responses and reducing inflammation. Specific acupoints and anti-inflammatory effects: . Some acupoints, like those in the hindlimbs, may be particularly effective at triggering anti-inflammatory responses. Acupuncture and Immunity: Enhancing immune function: . Acupuncture may enhance immune function by modulating various immune cells and molecules, such as NK cells and T cells. Tumor microenvironment: . Acupuncture may influence the tumor microenvironment, potentially promoting an anti-tumor immune response. Fatigue and immune status: . Acupuncture has shown promise in improving fatigue and immune status in cancer patients, especially after chemotherapy. NK cell activation: . Some studies suggest acupuncture can activate NK cells, which are important immune cells that can kill cancer cells. Acupuncture and Cancer: Complementary therapy for cancer care: Acupuncture is increasingly recognized as a complementary therapy for cancer patients, particularly for managing side effects of treatment and improving quality of life. Managing chemotherapy side effects: Acupuncture may help manage chemotherapy-induced side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and pain. Potential anti-tumor effects: Some research suggests acupuncture may have direct anti-tumor effects, such as inhibiting tumor growth. Safety and efficacy: Acupuncture is generally considered safe, but it's essential to consult with a qualified practitioner and inform them about any underlying health conditions, including cancer, before undergoing treatment. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Acupuncture for ... Dec 13, 2024 — Introduction: Inflammation is associated with tumor initiation, and existing tumors are associated with immune suppres... PubMed Acupuncture improves immunity and fatigue after chemotherapy in ... Aug 5, 2023 — Results. Transcriptome bioinformatics analysis screened 147 up-regulated mRNAs and 160 down-regulated mRNAs. Leptin pro... National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov) Acupuncture improves immunity and fatigue after ... Aug 5, 2023 — Acupuncture is increasingly recognized as a complementary therapeutic strategy for CRF. The National Comprehensive Canc... Springer Acupuncture can reduce inflammation and has potential benefits for cancer patients by modulating the immune system and alleviating side effects of chemotherapy. Studies have shown that acupuncture can downregulate pro-inflammatory biochemicals and stimulate anti-inflammatory responses, potentially by activating the vagus nerve and influencing the release of anti-inflammatory substances. This can help manage cancer-related inflammation and improve overall well-being. Show all This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. Generative AI is experimental.