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Cancer-Associated Immune Cells and Their Modulation by Melatonin Publisher Pubmed



Hekmatirad S1 ; Moloudizargari M2 ; Fallah M3 ; Rahimi A4 ; Poortahmasebi V5 ; Asghari MH4
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
  3. 3. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medicinal Plant Research Centre, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

Source: Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology Published:2023


Abstract

Objectives: Rapidly growing evidence suggests that immune cells play a key role in determining tumor progression. Tumor cells are surrounded by a microenvironment composed of different cell populations including immune cells. The cross talk between tumor cells and the neighboring microenvironment is an important factor to take into account while designing tumor therapies. Despite significant advances in immunotherapy strategies, a relatively small proportion of patients have successfully responded to them. Therefore, the search for safe and efficient drugs, which could be used alongside conventional therapies to boost the immune system against tumors, is an ongoing need. In the present work, the modulatory effects of melatonin on different components of tumor immune microenvironment are reviewed. Methods: A thorough literature review was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. All published papers in English on tumor immune microenvironment and the relevant modulatory effects of melatonin were scrutinized. Results: Melatonin modulates macrophage polarization and prevents M2 induction. Moreover, it prevents the conversion of fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and prevents cancer cell stemness. In addition, it can affect the payload composition of tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) and their secretion levels to favor a more effective anti-tumor immune response. Melatonin is a safe molecule that affects almost all components of the tumor immune microenvironment and prevents them from being negatively affected by the tumor. Conclusion: Based on the effects of melatonin on normal cells, tumor cells and microenvironment components, it could be an efficient compound to be used in combination with conventional immune-targeted therapies to increase their efficacy. © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
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