"Sialylation, a sugar modification on tumor cell surfaces, was found in about two-thirds of breast tumors."
Study Details
Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna led an international study identifying sialylation as a key mechanism by which breast tumors evade the immune system. The findings were published in Nature Communications.
Key Findings
- Sialylation, a sugar modification on tumor cell surfaces, was found in about two-thirds of breast tumors.
- Increased sialylation correlated with fewer T-cells in tumor tissue.
- Analysis of 136 breast cancer cases confirmed the link.
- The mechanism enhances G-CSF production, recruiting immunosuppressive cells and reducing T-cell recognition.
Preclinical Results
Pharmacological inhibition of sialylation in preclinical models led to increased T-cell infiltration and decreased immunosuppressive neutrophils.
Therapeutic Implications
Blocking sialylation made previously treatment-resistant tumor models responsive to immunotherapies, suggesting a potential approach to improve immunotherapy efficacy in breast cancer.