Boosting immune system against cancer by melatonin: A mechanistic viewpoint

Publication date: Available online 17 October 2019Source: Life SciencesAuthor(s): Keywan Mortezaee, Yaiza Potes, Hanifeh Mirtavoos-Mahyari, Elahe Motevaseli, Dheyauldeen Shabeeb, Ahmed Eleojo Musa, Masoud Najafi, Bagher FarhoodAbstractCancer is a disease of high complexity. Resistance to therapy is a major challenge in cancer targeted therapies. Overcoming this resistance requires a deep knowledge of the cellular interactions within tumor. Natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are the main anti-cancer immune cells, while T regulatory cells (Tregs) and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) facilitate immune escape of cancer cells. Melatonin is a natural agent with anti-cancer functions that has also been suggested as an adjuvant in combination with cancer therapy modalities such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and tumor vaccination. One of the main effects of melatonin is regulation of immune responses against cancer cells. Melatonin has been shown to potentiate the activities of anti-cancer immune cells, as well as attenuating the activities of Tregs and CAFs. It also has a potent effect on the mitochondria, which may change immune responses against cancer. In this review, we explain the mechanisms of immune regulation by melatonin involved in its anti-cancer effects.Graphical abstractMechanisms of apoptotic resistance of cancer cells and sensitizing effect of melatonin. NF-κB plays a central role in the resistance of cancer cells to apopto...
Source: Life Sciences - Category: Biology Source Type: research