LAUSR

Abstract Background Immune cells and immune proteins play a pivotal role in host responses to pathogens, allergens and cancer. Understanding the crosstalk between allergic response and cancer, immune surveillance, immunomodulation, role of immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated functions and help to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Allergy and oncology show two opposite scenarios: whereas immune tolerance is desired in allergy, it is detrimental in cancer. Aim The current review provides an update on the role of immune cells and immune proteins in allergy and cancer fields. Methods Authors investigated the role of relevant immunological markers and the correlation with cancer progression or cancer suppression. Results Activated immune cells such as macrophages ‘M1’, dendritic cells (DCs), innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), NK cells, Th1, follicular T helper cells (TFH), TCD8+, B lymphocytes and eosinophils have inhibitory effects on tumourigenesis, while tolerogenic cells such as macrophages ‘M2,’ tolerogenic DCs, ILC3, T and B regulatory lymphocytes appear to favour carcinogenesis. Mastocytes and alarmins can have both effects. RIgE antibodies and CCCL5 chemokine have an anticancer role, whereas IgG4, free light chains, Il‐10, TGF‐β, lipocalin‐2, CCL1 chemokine promote cancer progression. Fundamental is also the contribution of epigenetic changes regulated by the microRNA in cancer progression. Conclusion This knowledge represents the key to developing new anticancer therapies.