Eosinophil-lymphocyte interactions in the tumor microenvironment and cancer immunotherapy

The role of eosinophils in response to cancer is not well understood. Here the authors document evidence that eosinophils contribute to the immune response to cancer and to immunotherapies and postulate that these cells might be more important than expected in these contexts. Eosinophils are important effector cells and therapeutic targets in allergic diseases. Emerging data indicate that eosinophils infiltrate a variety of solid tumor types and have pleiotropic activities by at least two non-mutually exclusive mechanisms: direct interactions with tumor cells, and intricate cross-talk with lymphocytes. In light of the immune checkpoint inhibition revolution in cancer therapy, we review eosinophil-lymphocyte interactions in the tumor microenvironment. We also analyze potential interactions between eosinophils and lymphocyte subsets, including T cells, natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cells. We provide perspectives on the consequences of these interactions and how eosinophils are accessory cells that can affect the response to various forms of T cell-mediated immunotherapies and might be therapeutically targeted to improve cancer immunotherapy.

Automated summary

This article discusses the role of eosinophils in the immune response to cancer and immunotherapies. It provides evidence that eosinophils contribute to the immune response to cancer and postulates that they may be more important than expected. The article also explores the interactions between eosinophils and lymphocytes, as well as their impact on cancer immunotherapy.