Th2 cells inhibit growth of colon and pancreas cancers by promoting anti-tumorigenic responses from macrophages and eosinophils

This study investigates the role of Th2 cells in inhibiting the growth of colon and pancreas cancers. Using murine models, the researchers found that adoptive transfer of Th2 cells significantly reduced tumor burden. This effect was mediated by the induction of apoptotic factors and the recruitment of macrophages and eosinophils into the tumor microenvironment, where they produced cytotoxic factors. IL-5 hypersecretion, linked to the anti-tumorigenic function of Th2 cells and eosinophils, was also observed. Recombinant IL-5 administration similarly inhibited tumor growth. Both Th2 cells and eosinophils were directly responsible for cancer cell killing. The findings highlight the potential of Th2 cells and IL-5 as therapeutic targets in gastrointestinal cancers.

Damian Jacek, Ioannis Karagiannidis, Ellen J. Beswick