Abstract
Neoplasic transformation is a continuous process that occurs in the body. Even before clinical signs, the immune system is capable of recognizing these aberrant cells and reacting to suppress them. However, transformed cells acquire the ability to evade innate and adaptive immune defenses through the secretion of molecules that inhibit immune effector functions, resulting in tumor progression. Hormones have the ability to modulate the immune system and are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Hormones can control both the innate and adaptive immune systems in men and women. For example androgens reduce immunity through modulating the production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. Women are more prone than men to suffer from autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis and others. This is linked to female hormones modulating the immune system. Patients with autoimmune diseases consistently have an increased risk of cancer, either as a result of underlying immune system dysregulation or as a side effect of pharmaceutical treatments. Epidemiological data on cancer incidence emphasize the link between the immune system and cancer. We outline and illustrate the occurrence of hormone-related cancer and its relationship to the immune system or autoimmune diseases in this review. It is obvious that some observations are contentious and require explanation of molecular mechanisms and validation. As a result, future research should clarify the molecular pathways involved, including any causal relationships, in order to eventually allocate information that will aid in the treatment of hormone-sensitive cancer and autoimmune illness.
Highlights
Cancer does develop in immunocompetent individuals, implying that cancer cells are immuneevading
The results of this study suggested a strong correlation between thyroid autoimmunity and breast cancer (Giustarini et al, 2006; Jiskra et al, 2007)
These findings suggest that anti-CD6 has distinct effects on CD4+ cells that suppress autoimmunity, and direct effects on CD8+ and NK cells that promote cancer cell killing
Summary
Cancer does develop in immunocompetent individuals, implying that cancer cells are immuneevading. These cancer cells enter the escape phase, where they proliferate uncontrollably, demonstrating the immune system’s inability to remove or control altered cells while escaping both innate and adaptive immune defenses These three steps imply a decrease in immune recognition, an increase in survival, the secretion of molecules that affect effector immune functions, the recruitment of regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment conducive to immunological evasion and tumor progression (Holmgaard et al, 2015; Jang et al, 2017; O’Donnell et al, 2019). Associated with the development of cancer (Han, Chen et al, 2015; Simon et al, 2015; Brito-Zerón et al, 2017; Song et al, 2018; Vaengebjerg eta l., 2020; Wan et al, 2021)
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