Neutrophil extracellular traps primed intercellular communication in cancer progression as a promising therapeutic target

Abstract

Abstract In addition to the anti-infection response, neutrophils are linked to tumor progression through the secretion of inflammation components and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation. NET is a web-like structure constituted by a chromatin scaffold coated with specific nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins, such as histone and granule peptides. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that NETs are favorable factors to promote tumor growth, invasion, migration, and immunosuppression. However, the cell–cell interaction between NETs and other cells (tumor cells and immune cells) is complicated and poorly studied. This work is the first review to focus on the intercellular communication mediated by NETs in cancer. We summarized the complex cell–cell interaction between NETs and other cells in the tumor microenvironment. We also address the significance of NETs as both prognostic/predictive biomarkers and molecular targets for cancer therapy. Moreover, we presented a comprehensive landscape of cancer immunity, improving the therapeutic efficacy for advanced cancer in the future.

Keywords

• Cancer
• Neutrophil extracellular traps
• Intercellular communication
• Immune landscape
• Biomarker
• Therapeutic target