Tumor-Associated Mast Cells in Thyroid Cancer

Figure 1

Schematic representation of the role of mast cell-derived mediators in TC progression. Activated human MCs produce a wide spectrum of preformed (e.g., histamine) and newly synthesized mediators, including several chemokines. Histamine modulates in vitro proliferation and invasion of TC cells through the engagement of histamine H₁ (H₁R) and H₂ (H₂R) receptors. CXCL1/GRO-α and CXCL10/IP-10 modulate proliferation, survival, and invasion of TC cells through the engagement of chemokine receptors CXCR2 and CXCR3, respectively. CXCL8/IL-8 modulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness of TC cells through the engagement of CXCR1. MC inhibitors, specific inhibitors of the above mentioned mediators, and receptors antagonists might offer novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of difficult-to-cure thyroid carcinomas.