Researchers at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Duisburg-Essen have developed a promising approach to fighting cancer. Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Jadwiga Jablonska, the targeted blockade of the STAT3 signaling pathway in neutrophil granulocytes was investigated, which could play a key role in tumor defense. The results were published in the journal “Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy”. The study was funded by the German Research Foundation.

The STAT3 signaling pathway is known for its tumor-promoting effect, especially in tumor cells and various immune cells. Neutrophil granulocytes, which have long been considered primarily first aiders in infections, are increasingly in the focus of cancer research because they often promote tumor growth and are associated with a poor prognosis. The study shows that neutrophils can activate the immune system by blocking the STAT3 signaling pathway and stimulate cytotoxic T cells that specifically attack tumor cells.

In laboratory experiments, inhibition of the signaling pathway led to an enhanced anti-tumor immune response. The immune profile in the tumor and surrounding lymph nodes changed, with an increased number of highly active CD8⁺ T cells that could efficiently fight cancer cells. This significantly reduced tumor growth and metastasis. This approach opens up new possibilities for cancer immunotherapy and could in the future drive the development of new treatments to improve the chances of survival of cancer patients.

Original Paper:

Neutrophil-specific targeting of STAT3 impairs tumor progression via the expansion of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells | Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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