UPCI presents study on dendritic cells in prostate cancer

Critical cells in immune response found inhibited for the first time in prostate cancer
Embargoed until Tuesday, April 9

Dendritic cells, as the pacemakers of the immune system, play a critical role in the primary immune response. They are the first cells to recognize antigens and to assist in the production of an immune response by helping to produce antibodies to fight disease. In the current study, University of Pittsburgh researchers found that prostate cancer tumors produce factors that inhibit the growth and proliferation of dendritic cells and induce apoptosis (or cell death) in dendritic cells.

"Our data may explain the strong immunological non-responsiveness that we often see in patients with advanced prostate cancer," said Michael Shurin, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of pathology at the University of Pittsburgh and associate director of clinical immunopathology. "For the first time, we have discovered that a systemic inhibition of the dendritic cells system occurs in prostate cancer."

In the study, prostate cancer tumor cells were injected into the bones of mice and had a direct effect on stem and hematopoietic precursor cells (the basic cells from which all other cells develop). The interaction between the tumor cells and the hematopoietic precursors resulted in a significant inhibition in the cells' ability to differentiate into functional dendritic cells. The study demonstrates that the generation and function of dendritic cells is significantly suppressed in prostate cancer and suggests that stimulating the growth of dendritic cells is a promising area for future research in prostate cancer therapies.

For more information about UPCI, please visit www.upci.upmc.edu.

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