What kills cancer cells in the body
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Mechanisms of Cancer Cell Death in the Body
Understanding how cancer cells are killed in the body is crucial for developing effective treatments. Various mechanisms, including immune responses and therapeutic agents, play significant roles in targeting and eliminating cancer cells.
Cytotoxic Lymphocytes: T Cells and NK Cells
Role of Cytotoxic T Cells and NK Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy
Cytotoxic lymphocytes, particularly cytotoxic T cells (Tc) and natural killer (NK) cells, are pivotal in cancer immunotherapy. These cells recognize and kill cancer cells through two primary pathways: granule exocytosis and death ligands. Granule exocytosis involves the release of perforin and granzymes, which induce apoptosis or other forms of cell death in cancer cells. Death ligands, such as FasL and TRAIL, bind to their respective receptors on cancer cells, triggering apoptosis.
Enhancing NK Cell Activity
NK cells are unique in their ability to kill cancer cells without prior sensitization. They can be activated and expanded ex vivo to enhance their antitumor activity. Genetic modifications and cytokine supplements, such as IL-2 and IL-15, further boost their efficacy. These strategies have shown promise in clinical trials for both solid and hematological malignancies .
Protein-Based Therapeutics and Natural Compounds
Cytotoxic Proteins and Toxins
Cytotoxic proteins and toxins derived from various organisms have been engineered as precise therapeutic agents. These proteins can target specific cell-surface receptors on cancer cells, leading to their destruction. Examples include antimicrobial peptides and venom components, which have been adapted to kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
Curcumin and Dietary Antioxidants
Curcumin, a component of turmeric, has been shown to selectively kill cancer cells by modulating multiple cell signaling pathways, including those involved in cell proliferation, survival, and apoptosis. Similarly, nanodrugs constructed from dietary antioxidants like vitamin C and lipoic acid can efficiently kill cancer cells while protecting noncancer cells from oxidative stress .
Neutrophils and Neutrophil Elastase
Neutrophil-Mediated Cytotoxicity
Neutrophils can kill cancer cells through a process called trogoptosis, which involves antibody-mediated trogocytosis and mechanical disruption of the cancer cell membrane. This process is enhanced by blocking the CD47-SIRPα checkpoint, which prevents cancer cells from evading immune destruction.
Neutrophil Elastase
Neutrophil elastase (ELANE) selectively kills cancer cells by proteolytically liberating the CD95 death domain, which interacts with histone H1 isoforms to induce cell death. ELANE has shown potential in reducing primary tumor growth and eliciting a CD8+ T cell-mediated response to attack distant metastases.
Conclusion
The body employs a multifaceted approach to kill cancer cells, involving immune cells like cytotoxic T cells and NK cells, protein-based therapeutics, natural compounds, and neutrophil-mediated mechanisms. Understanding these processes and enhancing their efficacy through genetic modifications, cytokine supplements, and novel therapeutic agents holds promise for more effective cancer treatments.
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