Compound 48/80 suppresses melanoma growth by inducing apoptosis and enhancing immune response.

Compound 48/80 (Com 48/80), a mast cell degranulator, triggers allergic reactions and has been linked to a reduced risk of skin cancer. This study investigated the potential anticancer effects of Com 48/80 using in vitro and in vivo melanoma models. In vitro, Com 48/80 significantly induced apoptosis in melanocytes through caspase activation. In the melanoma animal model experiment, Com 48/80 enhanced survival, reduced tumor volume, and downregulated melanoma-specific genes (Dct2 and Gp100), while increasing the activities of caspase-3, -8, and -9. Additionally, Com 48/80 elevated allergy-related and immune-enhancing mediators, including immunoglobulin E, histamine, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12, IL-13, IL-33, tumor necrosis factor-α, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and interferon-γ. In the immunodeficient mice, Com 48/80 improved survival, suppressed melanoma growth, reduced immobility time, and enhanced the expression of immune mediators. Moreover, Com 48/80 significantly lowered tissue damage indicators compared to tumor control mice. These results suggest that Com 48/80 inhibits melanoma progression by inducing apoptosis and enhancing immune responses, highlighting the potential of Com 48/80 as a novel therapeutic strategy for melanoma treatment and prevention.