DCLK1 and tuft cells: Immune-related functions and implications for cancer immunotherapy

Ling Ding; Nathaniel Weygant; Chenhuan Ding; Yi Lai; He Li

doi:10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104118

DCLK1 and tuft cells: Immune-related functions and implications for cancer immunotherapy

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2023 Nov:191:104118. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104118. Epub 2023 Sep 2.

Authors

Ling Ding¹, Nathaniel Weygant², Chenhuan Ding¹, Yi Lai³, He Li⁴

Affiliations

¹ Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
² Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China.
³ Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
⁴ Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China. Electronic address: lihe1972@hotmail.com.

PMID: 37660932
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104118

Abstract

DCLK1, a tuft cell marker, is widely expressed in various tumors. Its high expression levels are closely linked to malignant tumor progression, making it a potential tumor-related marker. Recent studies have shed light on the critical roles of DCLK1 and tuft cells in the immune response and the maintenance of epithelial homeostasis, as well as targeted immune escape mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment. This review aims to comprehensively examine the current understanding of immune-related functions mediated by DCLK1 and tuft cells in epithelial tissues, including the roles of relevant cells and important factors involved. Additionally, this review will discuss recent advances in anti-tumor immunity mediated by DCLK1/tuft cells and their potential as immunotherapeutic targets. Furthermore, we will consider the potential impact of DCLK1 targeted therapy in cancer immunotherapy, particularly DCLK1 kinase inhibitors as potential therapeutic drugs in anti-tumor immunity, providing a new perspective and reference for future research.

Keywords: DCLK1; ILC2s; Immunotherapy; Tuft cells; Tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

Review