Scientists have uncovered a hidden interaction between immune cells, nerves, and triple-negative breast cancer that may help tumors grow and resist treatment. Researchers found that tumors can recruit macrophages, immune cells normally involved in healing and defending the body, and influence them to release brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This protein can attract nerve fibers into the tumor, creating a supportive network that may promote cancer growth and survival. The newly formed nerve connections could also contribute to treatment resistance and potentially help cancer spread. The findings reveal an unexpected relationship between the nervous and immune systems in cancer and suggest that targeting the signals linking macrophages, BDNF, and nerves could eventually offer a new strategy for treating aggressive breast tumors.
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