A team of researchers from the University of California, Irvine has discovered that the circadian clock, which controls daily rhythms in the body, can be used to improve the effectiveness of checkpoint inhibitor cancer therapy. Checkpoint inhibitors prevent certain proteins from attaching to tumor cells, which helps the immune system’s T cells destroy the tumor.Leverage the body’s internal clock to improve cancer therapy. Checkpoint inhibitors prevent certain proteins from binding to tumor cells, allowing the immune system’s T cells to destroy the tumor.
A study published online in Nature Immunology explores the connection between the circadian clock, immune regulation, and tumor development. The research suggests that tailoring treatment delivery based on an individual’s unique circadian patterns could offer new opportunities for prevention and treatment.
“Disturbance of An internal biological pacemaker is an integral part of modern society and may play a role in the increasing prevalence of various types of cancer. According to Selma Masri, associate professor of biological chemistry at UC Irvine, it’s crucial to regulate circadian rhythms properly to reduce inflammation and support optimal immune function. Masri adds that understanding how circadian disruption contributes to the progression of diseases could result in changes in behavior to lower the risk of cancer.
The research team utilized a sophisticated single-cell RNA sequencing method in a genetic model of colorectal cancer to discover clock-dependent alterations.The researchers found that disturbing the internal clock in the cells lining the intestine can increase inflammation and the number of immunosuppressive myeloid cells, which can lead to cancer progression. They also showed that giving immunotherapy when these immunosuppressive cells are most abundant can boost the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockades in solid tumors. This highlights the importance of timing in the treatment of cancer.”By regulating immunity, we can use the body’s natural rhythms to combat cancer and create more tailored and efficient treatment plans,” explained Bridget Fortin, the lead author of the study and a doctoral student at UC Irvine’s Department of Biological Chemistry.
Although this research is a major advancement in understanding how the circadian rhythm affects the body’s ability to fight tumors, the team suggests that future studies should look into other factors and cell types that impact the body’s response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy based on the time of day.
Additional members of the team included graduate students and faculty from UC Irvine School of Medicine.A team of researchers from the departments of biological chemistry, physiology and biophysics, surgery, and medicine conducted this study. Funding for this research was provided by the National Cancer Institute, the V Foundation, and Johnson & Johnson, among other organizations.
