Redox state associated with antitumor and immunomodulatory peptides in cancer

Cancer, a major public health problem, is the fourth cause of death in the world. While cancer mortality has decreased in recent decades due to more effective treatments, mostly based on improving antitumor immunity, some forms of cancer are resistant to these immunotherapies. A promising approach for cancer treatment involves the administration of antitumor and immunomodulatory peptides. Immunomodulatory peptides have been proved to exert antitumor and immunomodulatory effects by activating immune cells such as cytotoxic T cells, with fewer side-effects. A process closely related to the regulation of the immune system by immunomodulatory antitumor peptides is the modulation of the redox state, which has been poorly studied. This review focuses on the redox state regulated by antitumor and immunomodulatory peptides in cancer development, and on the potential of redox state as a therapy associated with these peptides in cancer treatment.

Automated summary

Cancer is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, and although cancer mortality has decreased in recent years, some forms of cancer are resistant to immunotherapies. Antitumor and immunomodulatory peptides are a promising approach due to their ability to activate immune cells and have fewer side effects. The regulation of the redox state, which has been poorly studied, plays a crucial role in the immune system's response to these peptides. This review focuses on understanding the redox state regulated by these peptides in cancer development and its potential as a therapy.