A Role of Effector CD8+ T Cells Against Circulating Tumor Cells Cloaked with Platelets: Insights from a Mathematical Model

by Khaphetsi Joseph Mahasa, Rachid Ouifki, Lisette de Pillis, Amina Eladdadi

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Circulation of tumor cells, shed from the primary tumor into the blood stream or lymphatic circulation, posits a great threat for patients having metastatic cancers. In this study, we developed a simple mathematical model describing how the primary tumor, CTCs arrested within the circulation, activated platelets and effector CD8+ T cells all shape metastatic framework. Our simulations reveal that high number of activated platelets on CTCs exacerbate CTC’s evasion from immune surveillance. Our model suggests that the efficacy of immunotherapy, based on CD8+ T cells, can be improved by increasing the proliferation rate of CD8+ T cells, although this resolution should be weighted against the CD8+ T cell toxicity in the circulation.

A schematic diagram of the cellular interactions at the primary site, within the circulation and the secondary site.