Neuro-immune crosstalk in breast cancer: molecular mechanisms from stress signals to immune escape - PubMed
6 hours ago
- #immune escape
- #neuro-immune interaction
- #breast cancer
- The nervous system regulates breast cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis locally through innervation and systemically via stress, circadian rhythms, and neuroendocrine pathways.
- Increased nerve fiber density in breast cancer correlates with greater invasiveness and poorer prognosis. Sympathetic nerves promote tumor growth and immune suppression through β-adrenergic signaling.
- Chronic psychological stress enhances tumor-promoting immune changes via sustained neuroendocrine activation, while parasympathetic signaling may inhibit tumor progression.
- Circadian rhythm disruption and reduced melatonin impair tumor immune surveillance, and clinical studies suggest neural-targeted interventions like β-blockers and psychological therapies may improve outcomes.
- Targeting neuro-immune interactions is a promising strategy for adjuvant breast cancer therapy, given the nervous system's role in immune escape and microenvironment shaping.