About this Research Topic

Background

Immune cell therapy has emerged as a ground-breaking approach in the field of cancer treatment, focusing on harnessing the power of the body's immune system to combat tumors. One promising avenue within this realm is the development of immune cell therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME encompasses the complex network of cells, blood vessels, and signalling molecules that surround a tumor, influencing its growth and interaction with the immune system. One notable strategy in immune cell therapy is the use of chimeric antigen receptor expressing T cells (CAR T cells), CAR NK cells, dendritic cells and macrophages which are directly engineered to recognize and attack cancer cells within the TME. By deploying these engineered immune cells, researchers aim to enhance the immune system's ability to infiltrate the TME and eradicate malignant cells. Another approach involves utilizing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), which are naturally occurring immune cells found within the tumor. Researchers extract and expand these TILs outside the body before reinfusing them back into the patient, bolstering the immune response against the tumor. This method capitalizes on the inherent specificity of TILs for cancer cells while amplifying their numbers for a more robust and targeted attack.

In addition to cell-based therapies, ongoing research focuses on developing immunomodulatory drugs designed to manipulate the TME and create an environment hostile to tumor survival. These drugs aim to modulate various components of the TME, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors that release the brakes on immune responses, enabling a more potent antitumor effect. The ultimate goal of immune cell therapy targeting the TME is to establish a dynamic and sustained immune response against cancer, fostering long-term remission and potentially even cures. As research progresses, the integration of multiple approaches and the refinement of existing strategies hold promise for revolutionizing cancer treatment and providing new hope for patients facing insurmountable challenges.

Immune cell therapy has emerged as a revolutionary approach in cancer treatment, with a focus on manipulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. The TME is a complex milieu of cells, including immune cells, stromal cells, and blood vessels, that influences tumor growth and metastasis. Immunotherapies leverage the body's own immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) involves isolating and genetically modifying immune cells, such as T cells, NK cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages, to express specific receptors that recognize and attack cancer cells within the TME. Additionally, immune checkpoint inhibitors aim to unleash the immune system by blocking inhibitory signals that tumors exploit to evade detection. These innovative approaches represent a paradigm shift in cancer therapy, harnessing the power of the immune system to reprogram the TME and combat cancer more effectively.

Currently, a major challenge in developing immune cell therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment lies in the complexity and heterogeneity of the tumor itself. Tumors create an immunosuppressive microenvironment, hindering the effectiveness of immune cells. Moreover, achieving sustained immune cell persistence within the hostile tumor milieu remains a critical concern. Researchers are actively addressing these challenges through innovative strategies, such as enhancing immune cell homing and persistence, refining cell engineering techniques, and deciphering the intricate interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, advancements in understanding the intricate interactions within the tumor microenvironment may lead to the development of novel strategies to overcome immunosuppression and improve the overall efficacy of immune cell therapies in treating various types of cancer.

This research topic collection aims to investigate the potential of immune cell based adoptive transfer approaches targeting the tumor microenvironment, a crucial aspect of cancer progression. The collection's scope encompasses a comprehensive exploration of various immune cell types, their interactions within the tumor microenvironment, and their impact on tumor growth and metastasis, and as potential adoptive cell therapy. Authors are invited to delve into the latest advancements in immunotherapy, seeking to understand how immune cells can be harnessed to modulate the complex dynamics of the tumor microenvironment effectively.

The aim of this research topic is, therefore, to contribute valuable insights that can inform the development of innovative therapeutic strategies, ultimately advancing the field of cancer treatment. By elucidating the intricate interplay between immune cells and the tumor microenvironment, this research topic strives to pave the way for more targeted and immune cell based therapeutic approaches in cancer immunotherapy.

Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases which are not accompanied by robust and relevant validation (clinical cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of scope for this topic.

Keywords: Immune cells, tumor microenvironment, NK/CAR NK cells, CAR T cells, Dendritic cells, Macrophages, haematological malignancies, Solid cancers

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.

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