Type 2 immunity in a new light

Dr Marek Wagner from the Łukasiewicz Research Network – PORT and Japanese researchers highlight the potential of the type 2 immune response, previously associated with fighting parasites, in slowing the development of melanoma. Their article was published in “Nature”.

The authors of the publication are Dr Marek Wagner, Hiroyoshi Nishikawa and Shigeo Koyasu. The article appeared in the issue of the magazine of 8 January this year.

The researchers indicate that the type 2 immune response, previously known for its role in fighting parasites, may play a key role in slowing the development of melanoma – one of the most aggressive skin cancers. The studies indicate the potential of ILC2 cells to modulate immune system activity.

Until now, the prevailing belief was that a type 2 immune response facilitates cancer development, for example, due to the presence of macrophages involved in this type of immune response. However, analysis of the available scientific literature, supplemented by the team’s own research findings, allowed the Polish-Japanese team to propose the hypothesis that the impact of type 2 responses on cancer formation may be more complex than previously assumed.

The experiments conducted on mouse models demonstrated that, under certain conditions, ILC2 cells can activate other elements of the immune system, leading to slower tumour growth. In one of the studies, up to a fourfold reduction in the rate of tumour growth was observed.

The research is in its early stages but opens up new perspectives for anti-cancer therapies that could in the future exploit mechanisms associated with the type 2 immune response. As Dr Wagner emphasises, a deeper understanding of these processes could make a significant contribution to the development of new therapeutic strategies.

The publication in “Nature” was written as part of a project by Dr Wagner funded by NCN in the SONATA BIS call under the title:

Analysis of the anticancer potential of ILC2 in melanoma