Virginia Research Day 2025

Medical Student Research Biomedical

19 The Effects of Histamine on Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

Ann Turner; Amy Nicole Yelton; Olivia Curley; Christopher L. Kepley 1* Corresponding author: anschlosser1@liberty.edu

Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lynchburg, VA

The role of mast cells (MC) in cancer progression is controversial with some studies suggesting pro-tumor effects while others suggesting anti-tumor effects. Mast cells have performed and newly generated mediators, some of which have anti-cancer cell properties (e.g. TNF-a, GM-CSF). Indeed, strategies to harness these naturally occurring mediators through tumor-targeting MC are being explored. The purpose

of this study was to investigate the effects of the MC mediator histamine on cancer cell viability in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. With this information, MC-based anti-cancer therapies could be designed to maximize anti-tumor properties while eliminating potential toxic side effects. Histamine did not have any significant effect on the viability of human cancer cell lines in vitro. Further, histamine injected

intratumorally did not have any significant effect on tumor size or survival of immunocompromised Nu/ Nu mice with implanted human tumors. These studies suggest MC-derived histamine does not directly affect cancer cell viability or tumor growth and may be a target for deletion in rationally designed, tumor targeting MC in adoptive cell therapies.

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