Revista de Imunobiologia

Lung Carcinoma-associated Immunosuppression as a Risk Factor for Life-threatening Pulmonary Infections

Abstract

Elly Hawthorne

Lung carcinoma is frequently accompanied by immunosuppression, a critical factor predisposing patients to life-threatening pulmonary infections. This review examines the mechanisms through which lung carcinoma-associated immunosuppression compromises host defenses, including impaired immune cell function, cytokine dysregulation, and disrupted mucosal barriers. The interplay between tumor microenvironment components such as regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and tumor-associated macrophages contributes significantly to immune evasion and susceptibility to infections. Furthermore, therapeutic interventions such as chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors exacerbate immunosuppression, further increasing infection risk. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies and preventive strategies to mitigate infection-related morbidity and mortality in lung carcinoma patients. Addressing immunosuppressioninduced vulnerabilities could potentially improve clinical outcomes and quality of life in this vulnerable patient population.