Expanding Horizons of Trained Immunity: Implications in Cancer and Pathogen Resistance

Immunological memory has traditionally been attributed to the adaptive immune system. However, recent research shows that innate immune cells can also “remember” past infections and respond more effectively to subsequent exposures. This phenomenon, known as trained immunity or innate immune memory, has significant implications for various health applications. Depending on the type of training stimuli, the enhanced immune responses can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Emerging evidence suggests that these mechanisms can be harnessed to develop innovative anti-cancer therapeutics. This review examines the current landscape of trained immunity molecules, their applications in pre-clinical and clinical cancer models, and the challenges and future directions in this promising field.