Tumour fatty acids turn neutrophils against T cells in mice
A study in Nature Communications found that in mice with advanced colorectal cancer, fatty acids from tumours activate a protein called PPARα in neutrophils. The neutrophils then make adenosine, which suppresses T cells.
The authors report that a dual adenosine receptor antagonist restored the anti-tumour activity of T cells. Combined with anti-PD-1 therapy, it improved survival in the mice. This points to a possible new drug target for colorectal cancer immunotherapy. The study is peer-reviewed, but it used mice only, so the results may not hold in people.