Lymph Nodes Play a Crucial Role in Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy Effectiveness

Recent research conducted by scientists at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity has shed light on the vital function that lymph nodes serve in the body's immune response, particularly in fighting chronic infections and cancer. The study, published in two papers in Nature Immunology, highlights that lymph nodes create an optimal environment for stem-like T cells—key immune cells—to survive, multiply, and generate cytotoxic cells capable of targeting cancer and viral infections. This environment supports the development and proliferation of these immune cells more effectively than other organs, such as the spleen.

Professor Axel Kallies from the University of Melbourne, the senior author of both studies, emphasized that lymph nodes are not merely passive structures but active trainers of immune responses. These findings imply that surgical removal of lymph nodes during cancer treatments might inadvertently weaken the body's natural defense mechanisms. Preserving lymph nodes could potentially enhance the success of immunotherapy approaches like checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T cell therapy.

The research also provides insight into why some patients respond better to immunotherapy than others, as the status and function of lymph nodes significantly influence the immune system's ability to generate effective cancer-fighting T cells. Dr. Carlson Tsui, the first author of one study, pointed out that understanding the molecular signals involved in the regulation of stem-like T cells can lead to the development of more effective immune-based treatments.

While these findings are primarily based on animal models, they pave the way for future clinical research and treatment strategies that aim to preserve lymph node architecture. This approach could boost the body's natural immune response, improve the efficacy of current therapies, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for cancer patients.

Clinical experts are optimistic about translating these insights into practice. Professor Shahneen Sandhu from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center noted that ongoing studies combining laboratory findings with patient data will help bridge the gap between research and patient care, bringing new hope for improving immunotherapy success rates.