Tumor-Induced Neutrophil Reprogramming Linked to CCL3 Production and Cancer Progression

Researchers have identified a mechanism by which tumors influence immune cells to aid in their progression, potentially offering a new way to predict cancer evolution. A study conducted by scientists at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research found that neutrophils, a type of immune cell, undergo significant reprogramming when exposed to the tumor environment. Instead of combating cancer, these altered neutrophils produce a molecule called chemokine CCL3, which promotes tumor growth. The findings suggest this process could serve as an important indicator of disease progression.

The research highlights how the tumor ecosystem can manipulate immune cells to its advantage. Neutrophils, typically involved in defending the body against infections, are redirected within the tumor microenvironment to support cancer development through the production of CCL3. This discovery underscores the role of immune system “hijacking” in tumor biology and its potential impact on understanding cancer dynamics. The study’s results were published in *Cancer Cell*.

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Date: February 5, 2026

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