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Mini Review - Journal of Cancer Immunology & Therapy (2023) Volume 6, Issue 2
The role of tumor microenvironment in cancer immunology.
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that includes cancer cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix components. The interactions between these components in the TME are critical in shaping the immune response to cancer and the development of cancer immunotherapy. The TME can promote or suppress immune responses to cancer depending on its composition. The presence of immune cells such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), and non-cellular components such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), can contribute to immune suppression and limit the penetration of immune cells, promoting resistance to therapy. Therefore, strategies to alter the TME's composition and enhance immune activity are being developed to improve the response to cancer immunotherapy. A better understanding of the TME's impact on immune function is necessary to develop more effective cancer therapies that can overcome immune suppression and promote anti-tumor activity.
Author(s): Stevens Siegel