Role of the Immune System in Blood Cancer

Author: Pratham Sarkar

Leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma are types of blood cancer originating in the bone marrow or the lymphatic system, both parts of the immune system. The immune system is made up of various cells, tissues, and organs that collaborate to defend the body against harmful germs and diseases.

How the immune system responds to blood cancer cells

In cases of blood cancer, the immune system responds by recognizing and attacking these abnormal cells. It can detect these cancer cells because they appear as foreign invaders. T cells, a type of white blood cell, spot the antigens on these cancer cells and start an immune response. Natural killer (NK) cells also play a role by finding and destroying the abnormal cells.                                                                             

                                                       Credits: Akadeum Life Sciences

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels, and organs that helps the body rid itself of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials.. Its main function is to transport lymph fluid, which is rich in immune cells like lymphocytes that help defend the body against infections. This system also includes lymph nodes and the spleen (filters blood and stores white blood cells that fight off infections). Lymph nodes serve as sites where immune cells, such as T cells and B cells, can meet and interact with pathogens and cancer cells. 

Credit: National Cancer Institute     

Role of inflammation in blood cancer progression

Chronic inflammation is a major factor in the development and emergence of blood cancers. This inflammation triggers the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which help create an ideal environment for cells by promoting their survival, growth, and the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). This controlled environment can ultimately contribute to the development of cancer cells in conditions like leukemia and lymphoma.                                                                                         

Long-term conditions that cause inflammation, like autoimmune disorders and chronic illnesses, can increase the chance of developing blood cancer. This happens because inflammation can lead to changes in the genes of hematopoietic stem cells, which are responsible for making blood cells. These gene changes can make it easier for cancer to start and grow.

Immune evasion mechanisms in leukemia and lymphoma

Treating blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma is tough because cancer cells can hide from the immune system. These cancer cells have found ways to avoid being seen. One trick they use is to lower the number of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on their surfaces. MHC molecules play a key role because they present antigens to T cells. When there are fewer MHC molecules, the immune system has a hard time recognizing cancer cells as threats. Without recognizing the threat, T cells cannot mount a strong attack against the cancer cells.

Moreover, blood cancer cells can release substances that suppress the immune system, such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). These substances prevent T cells and NK cells from becoming active. As a result, they create a setting that is unfriendly to immune responses, enabling the cancer to develop without being challenged.

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