Title:Antitumor Mechanisms of Molecules Secreted by Trypanosoma cruzi in Colon and
Breast Cancer: A Review
Volume: 23
Issue: 15
Author(s): Soheil Sadr, Shakila Ghiassi, Narges Lotfalizadeh, Pouria Ahmadi Simab, Ashkan Hajjafari and Hassan Borji*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pathobiology,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Keywords:
Cancer, parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, calreticulin, vaccination, immunotherapy.
Abstract:
Background: Molecules secreted by
Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) have beneficial effects on the immune
system and can fight against cancer by inhibiting the growth of tumor cells, preventing angiogenesis, and promoting
immune activation.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of molecules secreted by Trypanosoma cruzi on the growth of
colon and breast cancer cells, to understand the underlying mechanisms of action.
Results: Calreticulin from T. cruzi, a 45 kDa protein, participates in essential changes in the tumor microenvironment
by triggering an adaptive immune response, exerting an antiangiogenic effect, and inhibiting cell growth. On the other
hand, a 21 kDa protein (P21) secreted at all stages of the parasite's life cycle can inhibit cell invasion and migration.
Mucins, such as Tn, sialyl-Tn, and TF, are present both in tumor cells and on the surface of T. cruzi and are characterized
as common antigenic determinants, inducing a cross-immune response. In addition, molecules secreted by the
parasite are used recombinantly in immunotherapy against cancer for their ability to generate a reliable and long-lasting
immune response.
Conclusion: By elucidating the antitumor mechanisms of the molecules secreted by T. cruzi, this study provides valuable
insights for developing novel therapeutic strategies to combat colon and breast cancer.