The Mitochondrial Heist: How Cancer Cells Hijack Immune Cells to Evade Destruction

Recent research from the Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute in Chiba, Japan, published in the journal Nature, has revealed a new mechanism through which cancer cells evade destruction by the immune system. The study shows that cancer cells are capable of transferring their mitochondria to healthy immune cells, particularly T-cells. This transfer impairs the function of the immune cells, thereby promoting the survival of tumours.

Mitochondria, often called the powerhouses of the cell, are crucial for energy production and various cellular processes. The transfer of mitochondria between cells is a well-known phenomenon that usually aids in tissue repair and recovery. However, this study uncovers a more concerning aspect of mitochondrial transfer within the tumour microenvironment.

Researchers have found that cancer cells use tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs)—actin-rich membrane extensions—to form direct connections with T-cells. Through these TNTs, cancer cells can transfer their mitochondria into the T-cells. This transfer disrupts the normal functioning of the recipient T-cells, weakening the immune response against the tumour. As a result, the tumour gains a survival advantage by neutralizing the very cells that are meant to attack it.

This finding confirms that mitochondrial transfer can influence cellular behaviour and function. For instance, horizontal mitochondrial transfer has been documented between various cell types, affecting the bioenergetics and other functional properties of recipient cells. In the context of cancer, such intercellular mitochondrial exchanges can contribute to tumour progression and resistance to therapies.

This study has important implications for the development of cancer therapies. By clarifying the role of mitochondrial transfer in immune evasion, we can create new therapeutic strategies to inhibit this process. Targeting the formation of tunnelling nanotubes or blocking the transfer of mitochondria could improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy, thereby restoring the immune system’s ability to effectively fight cancer.

In summary, the research conducted by the Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute offers valuable insights into the intricate relationships between cancer cells and the immune system. By exploring the mechanisms of mitochondrial transfer and its effects on immune cell function, this study opens new pathways for developing therapeutic interventions that can help prevent tumours from evading the immune response.