Immunomodulation: An immune regulatory mechanism in carcinoma therapeutics

Int Immunopharmacol. 2021 Oct:99:107984. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107984. Epub 2021 Jul 23.

Abstract

Cancer has been generally related to the possession of numerous mutations which interrupt important signaling pathways. Nevertheless, deregulated immunological signaling is considered as one of the key factors associated with the development and progression of cancer. The signaling pathways operate as modular network with different components interacting in a switch-like fashion with two proteins interplaying between each other leading to direct or indirect inhibition or stimulation of down-stream factors. Genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptomic alterations maintain the pathological conduit of different signaling pathways via affecting diverse mechanisms including cell destiny. At present, immunotherapy is one of the best therapies opted for cancer treatment. The cancer immunotherapy strategy includes harnessing the specificity and killing mechanisms of the immunological system to target and eradicate malignant cells. Targeted therapies utilizing several little molecules including Galunisertib, Astragaloside-IV, Melatonin, and Jervine capable of regulating key signaling pathways can effectively help in the management of different carcinomas.

Keywords: Astragaloside-IV; Galunisertib; Immunity; Immunomodulation; Jervine; Melatonin; Tumor.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunomodulation / immunology*
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Tumor Microenvironment