About this Research Topic
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogeneous population of cells with diverse origins, phenotypes, and functions, and the major component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) which play critical roles in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. CAFs are activated fibroblasts that exhibit an altered phenotype and secrete various growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and extracellular matrix (ECM) to promote cancer cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis and shape the tumor immune microenvironment. Increasing evidence showed that CAFs can suppress anti-tumor immune responses by recruiting immunosuppressive cells to inhibit the activation and function of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. CAFs are therefore a key determinant in the malignant progression of cancer. Targeting CAFs has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
This Research Topic aims to summarize the cutting-edge research in the field of CAFs which described the novel findings of the heterogeneous population of CAFs in cancer, their role in cancer initiation, development, progression, metastasis, shaping tumor microenvironment, and treatment response, and the underlying mechanisms. These interesting studies depict the overview of CAFs in cancer and provide potential biomarkers and direction for cancer therapy in the future.
In this Research Topic, we welcome a wide range of manuscripts including Research Articles, Brief Research Reports, Reviews, and Mini Reviews. Our topic is particularly interesting in the population and functions of CAFs in cancer. Submissions may cover, but are not limited to:
• Heterogeneous population of CAFs in cancer and their origins
• The role of CAFs in tumor initiation, development, progression, metastasis, tumor immune microenvironment, treatment response,+ and the underlying molecular mechanisms
• The interplay between CAFs and other components (e.g. immune cells, tumor cells, stromal cells, etc.) in the tumor immune microenvironment
• New insights on potential therapeutic targets related to CAFs
• CAFs-related biomarkers in cancer diagnosis, progression, and treatment response
This Research Topic aims to summarize the cutting-edge research in the field of CAFs which described the novel findings of the heterogeneous population of CAFs in cancer, their role in cancer initiation, development, progression, metastasis, shaping tumor microenvironment, and treatment response, and the underlying mechanisms. These interesting studies depict the overview of CAFs in cancer and provide potential biomarkers and direction for cancer therapy in the future.
In this Research Topic, we welcome a wide range of manuscripts including Research Articles, Brief Research Reports, Reviews, and Mini Reviews. Our topic is particularly interesting in the population and functions of CAFs in cancer. Submissions may cover, but are not limited to:
• Heterogeneous population of CAFs in cancer and their origins
• The role of CAFs in tumor initiation, development, progression, metastasis, tumor immune microenvironment, treatment response,+ and the underlying molecular mechanisms
• The interplay between CAFs and other components (e.g. immune cells, tumor cells, stromal cells, etc.) in the tumor immune microenvironment
• New insights on potential therapeutic targets related to CAFs
• CAFs-related biomarkers in cancer diagnosis, progression, and treatment response
Keywords: Fibroblast, Cancer, Heterogeneity, Tumor microenvironment, Therapeutic potential
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
