Neutrophils are the most abundant circulating white blood cells and represent a first line of protection against infections both bacterial and fungal. They are armed with a diverse set of antimicrobial defenses that includes various granules and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).
While traditionally thought of as a homogeneous and terminally differentiated population, emerging evidence is pointing to a different conclusion. Many recent studies describe plasticity and alternative activation of neutrophils depending on a variety of factors within the tumor microenvironment. As such, functions of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) may tip the scales either against or towards effective anti-tumor immunity.
A variety of cytokines, including among others IL8, TGF-beta, IFN-beta have known roles in recruiting neutrophils and modulating their plasticity and function within the tumor microenvironment. Depending on their state of activation, neutrophils may favor tumor cell killing and stimulate other immune cells’ antitumor activity; to the other end of the spectrum, neutrophil ROS have been reported to inhibit activity of antitumor lymphocytes, promote tumor cell proliferation via ECM interactions (MMP9), and additionally create an environment favorable to neovascularization, angiogenesis and metastasis.
In this Research Topic, we aim to bring together researchers to provide additional insights and knowledge in this emerging area of research. We welcome the submission of Review, Original Research, and Perspective articles covering, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:
• Neutrophil-mediated mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression
• Mechanisms of neutrophil recruitment and plasticity in the tumor microenvironment
• Versatile roles in either enhancing or interfering with antitumor immunity
• Ambiguous roles of NETs and ROS degranulation in the tumor microenvironment
• TAN interactions with the ECM and other immune cells influencing antitumor immunity
• Methods for identifying different neutrophil populations both circulatory and local to the tumor
• Effect of current immunotherapies on TANs
• Therapeutic strategies targeting TANs alone or in combination
Dr. Laubli received research support from BMS, GlyEra and Palleon Pharmaceuticals. The other Topic Editor declares no competing interests.
Neutrophils are the most abundant circulating white blood cells and represent a first line of protection against infections both bacterial and fungal. They are armed with a diverse set of antimicrobial defenses that includes various granules and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).
While traditionally thought of as a homogeneous and terminally differentiated population, emerging evidence is pointing to a different conclusion. Many recent studies describe plasticity and alternative activation of neutrophils depending on a variety of factors within the tumor microenvironment. As such, functions of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) may tip the scales either against or towards effective anti-tumor immunity.
A variety of cytokines, including among others IL8, TGF-beta, IFN-beta have known roles in recruiting neutrophils and modulating their plasticity and function within the tumor microenvironment. Depending on their state of activation, neutrophils may favor tumor cell killing and stimulate other immune cells’ antitumor activity; to the other end of the spectrum, neutrophil ROS have been reported to inhibit activity of antitumor lymphocytes, promote tumor cell proliferation via ECM interactions (MMP9), and additionally create an environment favorable to neovascularization, angiogenesis and metastasis.
In this Research Topic, we aim to bring together researchers to provide additional insights and knowledge in this emerging area of research. We welcome the submission of Review, Original Research, and Perspective articles covering, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:
• Neutrophil-mediated mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression
• Mechanisms of neutrophil recruitment and plasticity in the tumor microenvironment
• Versatile roles in either enhancing or interfering with antitumor immunity
• Ambiguous roles of NETs and ROS degranulation in the tumor microenvironment
• TAN interactions with the ECM and other immune cells influencing antitumor immunity
• Methods for identifying different neutrophil populations both circulatory and local to the tumor
• Effect of current immunotherapies on TANs
• Therapeutic strategies targeting TANs alone or in combination
Dr. Laubli received research support from BMS, GlyEra and Palleon Pharmaceuticals. The other Topic Editor declares no competing interests.
