Oral and oropharyngeal cancers pose a significant health burden worldwide, necessitating a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving tumor progression. The role of immune cells in the context of these malignancies has garnered considerable attention in recent years. Immune cells play a pivotal role in shaping the tumor microenvironment and influencing cancer progression.

Various immune cell populations, including T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and dendritic cells, contribute to the complex interplay between the immune system and oral and oropharyngeal cancers. These immune cells can exhibit both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic functions, depending on their phenotypes, activation status, and spatial distribution within the tumor microenvironment. Dysregulation of immune cell functions can lead to immune evasion, tumor immune tolerance, and metastasis.

Understanding the dynamic interactions between immune cells and cancer cells is crucial for developing effective immunotherapeutic strategies. Targeting specific immune cell subsets or modulating their activity holds promise for enhancing anti-tumor immune responses and improving treatment outcomes. Additionally, immune cell-based biomarkers may provide valuable prognostic and predictive information for personalized therapeutic approaches.

The problem that we aim to address in this Research Topic is the limited understanding of the intricate interactions between immune cells and the tumor microenvironment in these types of cancers. Despite advancements in cancer immunotherapy, the specific mechanisms by which immune cells influence tumor progression, immune evasion, and treatment response in oral and oropharyngeal cancers remain incompletely understood.

To achieve a better understanding of these complex dynamics, several approaches can be taken. Firstly, comprehensive studies are needed to characterize the phenotypic and functional profiles of different immune cell subsets within the tumor microenvironment. This can be achieved through high-dimensional analyses such as single-cell sequencing, flow cytometry, and multiplex immunohistochemistry.

Secondly, investigating the crosstalk between immune cells and tumor cells, as well as the signaling pathways involved, will provide insights into the mechanisms of immune evasion and resistance to therapy. This can be accomplished through in vitro co-culture systems and animal models that recapitulate the tumor microenvironment.

Furthermore, identifying predictive biomarkers of treatment response and understanding the mechanisms of immune resistance are essential. Recent advances in genomic profiling, including next-generation sequencing and multi-omics approaches, can aid in identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Lastly, recent advances in immunotherapeutic strategies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, and personalized cancer vaccines, hold promise for enhancing anti-tumor immune responses in oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Further investigation into the efficacy and mechanisms of these therapies in the context of immune cell interactions is warranted.

By addressing these research gaps and leveraging recent advances, we can deepen our understanding of the role of immune cells in oral and oropharyngeal cancer progression. This knowledge will contribute to the development of more effective immunotherapies, personalized treatment approaches, and improved outcomes for patients with these challenging malignancies.

We encourage authors to explore various aspects related to immune cells and their impact on these malignancies. Specific themes that can be addressed in the submitted articles include, but are not limited to:

1. Immune cell populations in the tumor microenvironment: Investigating the composition and dynamics of immune cell subsets within the oral and oropharyngeal tumor microenvironment, including their roles in promoting or inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis.

2. Immune evasion mechanisms employed by tumor cells and their interaction with immune cells.

3. Tumor microenvironment and its influence on immune cell infiltration and activation.

4. Immunotherapeutic approaches: Assessing the efficacy of immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapies, and cancer vaccines, in enhancing anti-tumor immune responses and improving treatment outcomes.

5. Immune biomarkers for prognosis, prediction of treatment response, and patient stratification.

6. Interplay between the microbiome, immune cells, and tumor progression in the oral and oropharyngeal regions.

7. Combination therapies: Exploring the potential of combining immunotherapies with conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, to enhance immune cell-mediated tumor control.

We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that shed light on these themes and contribute to our understanding of the complex immune landscape in oral and oropharyngeal cancer progression. By addressing these topics, we aim to advance the field and ultimately improve patient care and outcomes in this challenging field.

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Frontiers in Oral Health

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