Here we have a new and very good article on MCTs: Monocarboxylate transporters in the brain and in cancer
It explains the role of MCTs in normal and cancer cells and an important point is related to the fact that although MCT1 has the highest affinity to lactate all MCTs (from MCT1 to MCT4) can both export and import lactate.
This is relevant because until now I thought that MCT1 only can import lactate, and this property is connected to the transport into the cancer cell, and thus effectiveness of 3BP (3-Bromopyruvate) and DCA (Dichloroacetate) as anti cancer treatments. But the fact is that other MCTs can also help import lactate and thus 3BP.
In addition to all the extensive discussion on MCTs and their activity and expression in normal and cancer cells, in the article cited above there is a simple picture explaining how lactic acid inhibits the immune system or more specifically the Tcell activation (via the MCT1 inhibition in Tcells). On this line, MCT4 inhibitors will lead not only to lactic acid accumulation in cancer cells (a destructive process for cancer cells due to a continuous reduction of intracellular pH) but will also lead to Tcell activation.
Indeed, it has been reported recently that lower acidity around tumors can lead to a better function of the immune system: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160317114538.htm
Note that Phlorezin and Phloretin are very strong inhibitors of MCT4 and were discussed on this website previously https://www.cancertreatmentsresearch.com/?p=736 as a potential anti cancer treatment, with an anti cancer effectiveness already demonstrated in a US hospital. We actuality intend to use this natural substance soon as an IV.
And here was a way to reduce lactic acid https://www.cancertreatmentsresearch.com/?p=714
As a side note, MCT1 inhibitors on the other hand are useful to treat auto immune diseases. Quercetin is an effective MCT1 inhibitor https://www.cancertreatmentsresearch.com/?p=424.
In the future, I intend to further discuss the role and inhibition of Monocarboxylate transporters as a part of a larger strategy focused on lowering the intracellular pH in cancer cells and this their eradication, a strategy previously used by some good doctors and scientist to cure c. in some patients.
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