Introduction
As we age, the body's immune function gradually declines, making it more susceptible to infections by viruses and bacteria, while the incidence of cancer significantly increases. Research has found that over two-thirds of newly diagnosed cancers occur in individuals aged 60 and above. This indicates a close relationship between immunity and aging. If we can enhance the immune system in the elderly population, it will have a positive impact on their overall health.
On June 12, 2024, Professor Jonathan C. Kagan's team from Harvard Medical School published a paper titled "Correction of age-associated defects in dendritic cells enables CD4+ T cells to eradicate tumors" in the journal *Cell*. The article reveals that by intervening in the activity of dendritic cells, it is possible to correct age-related immune deficiencies, thereby enhancing the ability of CD4+ T cells to eliminate tumors. This provides a new approach for cancer immunotherapy in the elderly.
Exploring the Impact of Age on the Effectiveness of Cancer Immunotherapy
The research team first used a melanoma mouse model and treated the mice with PD-1 and CTLA4 tumor immunotherapy to assess the strength of the immune system's anti-cancer capabilities in mice of different ages. They found that while the tumors in younger mice could be treated, the tumors in older mice could not be eradicated. This outcome was linked to two known age-related immune deficiencies: a systemic reduction in the number of naive T cells and weakened dendritic cell (DC) migration activity.
Dendritic cells (DCs) are named for the dendritic projections they extend upon maturation. They play a crucial role in both the innate and adaptive immune systems and are the most potent antigen-presenting cells. DCs are capable of stimulating naive T cells to initiate an immune response in the body.
The team developed a DC cell super-activator vaccine, which can correct immune deficiencies in elderly mice.
The study found that the functional deficiency of DC cells might underlie the lack of host defense observed in the elderly population. Consequently, the researchers developed a DC super-activator as a vaccine adjuvant. This adjuvant can correct the migration defect of DC cells in elderly mice, induce cytolytic activity in T helper 1 (TH1) CD4+ T cells, and enhance the anti-tumor immune response in these older mice.
Regulating DC Cell Activity Reverses Age-Related Immune Deficiency
The study results indicate that we can correct age-related immune deficiencies by manipulating dendritic cell activity, suggesting that the immune deficiencies in the elderly population are reversible. This has significant implications for improving the quality of life for the elderly and represents a breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy for this age group.
Dendritic cells, as sentinels of the immune system, play a crucial role in cancer treatment. They can effectively activate and guide T cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells, thereby initiating an anti-tumor immune response within the patient’s body.
References
Zhivaki D, Kennedy SN, Park J, Boriello F, Devant P, Cao A, Bahleda KM, Murphy S, McCabe C, Evavold CL, Chapman KL, Zanoni I, Ashenberg O, Xavier RJ, Kagan JC. Correction of age-associated defects in dendritic cells enables CD4+ T cells to eradicate tumors. Cell. 2024 Jul 25;187(15):3888-3903.e18. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.026.
Correction of age-associated defects in dendritic cells enables CD4+ T cells to eradicate tumors
Cell
IF:41.584
2024.6.12
Noulai Medical Oncology Rehabilitation Center
The Noulai Medical Oncology Rehabilitation Center utilizes a comprehensive 1+4 cancer rehabilitation system through immunotherapy, combined with nutrition, psychological support, sleep management, and traditional Chinese medicine. This approach helps cancer patients restore their immune system, improve their five-year survival rate, and enhance their quality of life.
Core Technologies of the Oncology Rehabilitation Center
The Nolai Medical Oncology Rehabilitation Center utilizes proprietary targeted dendritic cell (T-DC) technology to precisely identify tumor cells, target and eliminate cancer cells within the patient’s body. This approach, combined with CIK cell therapy, enhances immune function and repairs the patient’s own immune system.