ISSN: 1449-2288International Journal of Biological Sciences
Global reach, higher impact
Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19(5):1403-1412. doi:10.7150/ijbs.79155 This issue Cite
Review
Three unconventional maxims in the natural selection of cancer cells: Generation of induced tumor-suppressing cells (iTSCs)
1. Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
2. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
3. Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
4. Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
Abstract
Induced tumor-suppressing cells (iTSCs) can be generated from cancer and non-cancer cells. Here, three paradoxical maxims for the action of iTSCs are reviewed: the secretion of tumor-suppressing proteins, their role as a “double-edged” sword, and the elimination of lesser-fit cancer cells. “Super-fit” cancer cells secrete an array of proteins, most of which contribute to enhancing their growth and removing “lesser-fit” cancer cells. These maxims explain the potential dilemma with therapeutic agents since the inhibitory agents tend to promote the synthesis of tumor-promoting proteins. The maxims suggest the possibility of a novel treatment option using cancer-guided evolutionary-fit iTSCs.
Keywords: natural selection, tumor proteome, iTSCs, conditioned medium, protein cocktail
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