About this Research Topic

Background

Abnormal angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer and tumor vessels pose as critical regulator in the tumor microenvironment. Tumors vessels are intrinsically different from their normal counterparts by their morphology, behavior, genetic, epigenetic and molecular profile. As such, they are involved at various steps of tumor progression, contribute to immune cell recruitment (e.g. via high endothelial venules) and immunomodulation. Recent technological advances also brought to light tumor endothelial cell heterogeneity as an important parameter to fully understand therapeutic sensitivity and outcome. Therefore, tumor vessels can influence responses to anti-cancer therapies including anti-angiogenic, radio- and immunotherapies. Unsurprisingly, tumor endothelial cell communication also goes awry. Cross talks within the tumor microenvironment occur via direct cell-cell contact, or at distance by secreting cues and extracellular vesicles. Cells from the tumor microenvironment are able to alter normal vessels and vice versa with tumor endothelial cells modulating a broad variety of cellular response via secreted molecules.

The aim of this Research Topic is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances and promising research trends about the implication of the tumor endothelial cells in cancer and to better understand their contribution within the intricate tumor microenvironment. Although tumor endothelial cell features are an important facet to be considered for therapeutic purpose, they are still marginally considered by current approved anti-cancer therapies and for drug development. Deciphering differences between normal and tumor endothelial cells, unraveling cross-talk between endothelial cells and immune cells (lymphoid and myeloid), model tumor endothelial cells interactions using 3D in vitro model systems, and study their response to anti-cancer therapies might help combating therapy resistance and improving treatment response.

We welcome submission in the following sub-themes:
1. Cellular & molecular characterization of tumor endothelial cells
2. Cross-talk within the tumor microenvironment with blood vessels as central role: direct cell-cell contacts or at distance via soluble factors or extracellular vesicles
3. Immune cell recruitment by tumor vessels: impact on vessel differentiation and immune evasion strategies
4. Influence of tumor vessels on the tumor microenvironment (and vice versa) leading to tumorigenesis, tumor progression and metastasis
5. Resistance mechanisms to anti-cancer therapies with an instrumental contribution from tumor vessels
6. Identification of novel therapeutic strategies targeting tumor vasculature
7. In vitro 3D systems to model tumor vasculature and their interactions within tumor microenvironment
8. New technological developments and methods allowing the study of tumor endothelial cells behavior and interactions

The article types to be accepted include Original Research articles, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Opinion article, Methods, Protocols, Perspective and Technology Report.

Keywords: Tumor Endothelial Cells, Tumor Microenvironment, Immune Cell Recruitment, Novel Therapeutic Strategies, Extracellular Vesicles

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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