Antihistamines for cancer immunotherapy: More than just treating allergies

In this issue of Cancer Cell, Li et al. show that histamine released in allergic reactions and from tumor cells attenuates immunotherapy response. Histamine H-1-receptor (H1R) signaling induces an M2-like phenotype in tumor-associated macrophages and increases VISTA expression, suppressing CD8(+) T cell function. Anti-histamines reverse these effects and improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Automated summary

The study identifies that histamine released during allergic reactions and from tumor cells weakens the response to immunotherapy. Histamine H-1-receptor signaling induces a suppressive phenotype in tumor-associated macrophages and increases VISTA expression, thereby suppressing CD8(+) T cell function. Anti-histamines can reverse these effects and improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.