The Interplay of Autoimmune Disease, Cancer, and Immunity: Current Understanding and Therapeutic Prospects

Tayyab  Shafiq; Syeda Mahnoor  Bukhari; Arneeb  Zahra; Hafiza Sana  Mahek; Hira  Tariq; Waseem  Sajjad

doi:10.18502/ijhoscr.v19i4.19986

Tayyab Shafiq Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
Syeda Mahnoor Bukhari The Women University, Multan, Pakistan
Arneeb Zahra The Women University, Multan, Pakistan
Hafiza Sana Mahek The Women University, Multan, Pakistan
Hira Tariq University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Waseem Sajjad King Edward Medical University (KEMU), Lahore, Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijhoscr.v19i4.19986

Keywords: Autoimmune diseases; Cancer; Immunity; Immune checkpoints; Cytokines; Immunotherapy; Chronic

Abstract

Background: In light of chronic inflammation and dysregulated immune responses, autoimmune disorders and cancer are closely related. It is essential to comprehend how they interact in order to create immunotherapeutic techniques that work.

Materials and Methods: The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent research on the relationship between immunology, cancer, and autoimmune illnesses and to assess new treatment strategies that target each of these diseases. PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus were used in a methodical search (2010–2023). Studies evaluating immunotherapy results, immunological processes, and cancer incidence in patients with autoimmune diseases were all eligible. Using random-effects meta-analysis, the data were examined.

Results: A total of 78,456 patients from fifty-seven studies were examined. Patients with autoimmune diseases had a considerably higher risk of developing cancer (OR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.42–1.76; p < 0.001), frequently as a result of immunosuppressive treatment and persistent inflammation. Among the common mechanisms were increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and dysregulation of immunological checkpoints (PD-1/PD-L1). Although cytokine blockers and checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated effectiveness, they also carry significant hazards.

Conclusion: The confluence of immune regulation, cancer, and autoimmunity brings to light both treatment possibilities and difficulties. Future studies should concentrate on tailoring immunotherapies to optimize their positive effects while reducing their negative ones.