One of the current challenges and failures of immunotherapy is in part due to the complex tumor microenvironment (TME) that provides a formidable barrier to immune infiltration and function. The TME consists of various cell types (tumor cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells), soluble signaling
molecules (cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines), and extracellular matrix. On another note, metabolic disturbances in various TME components, such as hypoxia, acidosis, lactate accumulation, and nutrient deprivation, can play a critical role in the tumor progression. Furthermore, genetic and epigenetic dysfunctions are known to be part of the characteristics of cancer development. The immune cells could have a pro- or anti-tumor role in the TME, and their activity might vary in the context of different cancers. Both innate and adaptive immune cells interact with tumor cells through direct contact or through chemokines and cytokines signaling, shaping the tumor's activity and response to therapy.
The interaction between these components appears to be responsible for tumor development, progression and metastasis. Moreover, targeting the TME has become of great interest to researchers in the treatment of several malignancies, especially solid tumors. Despite the advancement in understanding the TME and its components in the recent decades and the translation of some of these findings into preclinical studies, there is still much to be explored and elucidated regarding TME components. This could be due to the complexity and diversity of the immune context of the TME. Various immune cells have been considered key players that maintain tumor growth and metastasis, as well as immunotherapeutic resistance. Additionally, the interplay between cancerous and immune components still needs to be explored in terms of immunogenic, genetic, metabolic, and epigenetic approaches, as it might lead to the development of new anti-tumor therapeutic agents. In addition, manipulating the immune TME might enhance the benefits of the current clinical immunotherapy. This research topic aims to provide insights into various cross-talk mechanisms that could be translated in the clinics.
We aim to collect original research and review articles that will aid in uncovering the complex interactions between tumors, immune cells, and their
microenvironment and the implications in cancer immunotherapy.
This includes but is not limited to the following themes:
1- Metabolic, epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of immune cells and extracellular matrix components in solid tumours
2- Related impact on solid tumour response to immunotherapy
3- Cytotoxic potential of immune cells and their crosstalk with other immune and cancer cells in TME
4- The dual role of cytokines and chemokines at the cancer-immune cell synapse
5- Differential expression of immune ligands on neoplastic cells
6- Impact of nanoparticles, immune checkpoint inhibitors and drugs regulating TME components
One of the current challenges and failures of immunotherapy is in part due to the complex tumor microenvironment (TME) that provides a formidable barrier to immune infiltration and function. The TME consists of various cell types (tumor cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells), soluble signaling
molecules (cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines), and extracellular matrix. On another note, metabolic disturbances in various TME components, such as hypoxia, acidosis, lactate accumulation, and nutrient deprivation, can play a critical role in the tumor progression. Furthermore, genetic and epigenetic dysfunctions are known to be part of the characteristics of cancer development. The immune cells could have a pro- or anti-tumor role in the TME, and their activity might vary in the context of different cancers. Both innate and adaptive immune cells interact with tumor cells through direct contact or through chemokines and cytokines signaling, shaping the tumor's activity and response to therapy.
The interaction between these components appears to be responsible for tumor development, progression and metastasis. Moreover, targeting the TME has become of great interest to researchers in the treatment of several malignancies, especially solid tumors. Despite the advancement in understanding the TME and its components in the recent decades and the translation of some of these findings into preclinical studies, there is still much to be explored and elucidated regarding TME components. This could be due to the complexity and diversity of the immune context of the TME. Various immune cells have been considered key players that maintain tumor growth and metastasis, as well as immunotherapeutic resistance. Additionally, the interplay between cancerous and immune components still needs to be explored in terms of immunogenic, genetic, metabolic, and epigenetic approaches, as it might lead to the development of new anti-tumor therapeutic agents. In addition, manipulating the immune TME might enhance the benefits of the current clinical immunotherapy. This research topic aims to provide insights into various cross-talk mechanisms that could be translated in the clinics.
We aim to collect original research and review articles that will aid in uncovering the complex interactions between tumors, immune cells, and their
microenvironment and the implications in cancer immunotherapy.
This includes but is not limited to the following themes:
1- Metabolic, epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of immune cells and extracellular matrix components in solid tumours
2- Related impact on solid tumour response to immunotherapy
3- Cytotoxic potential of immune cells and their crosstalk with other immune and cancer cells in TME
4- The dual role of cytokines and chemokines at the cancer-immune cell synapse
5- Differential expression of immune ligands on neoplastic cells
6- Impact of nanoparticles, immune checkpoint inhibitors and drugs regulating TME components