Mechanisms Regulating Immune Evasion by B-cell Lymphoma

Malignancies of lymphoid cells range from the most indolent to the most aggressive human malignancies and often compromise host defense by developing mechanisms to evade immune surveillance. B-cell lymphomas are a diverse group of blood cancers originating from B lymphocytes, a common cell integral to the immune response. While effective tumor immune responses usually involve the stimulation and maintenance of tumor specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, B-cell lymphoma shed molecules disrupt T cell recognition and tumor clearance via unknown mechanisms. In recent years, our understanding of the intricate mechanisms behind B-cell lymphomas has significantly deepened, revealing previously unknown complexities in how these malignancies evade the immune system. Understanding how these malignancies escape immune surveillance is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes.

The importance of studying immune evasion in B-cell lymphoma lies in its implications for treatment resistance and disease relapse. By comprehensively examining the underlying biological processes, researchers can identify potential targets for novel immunotherapies, paving the way for more effective and personalized medical interventions.

The goal of this collection is to provide an analysis of current knowledge, highlight recent advancements, and identify gaps that warrant further investigation. This Research Topic accepts original research, reviews, mini-reviews, and short commentary covering topics including but not limited to the following:
• Cellular and Molecular Pathways of Immune Evasion: Exploring genetic and epigenetic alterations that enable lymphoma cells to avoid detection and destruction by the immune system.
• Tumor Microenvironment: Investigating the role of the tumor microenvironment and its components, including immune cells, cytokines, and stromal cells, in facilitating immune evasion.
• Immune Checkpoints and Regulation: Assessing how immune checkpoint molecules and other regulatory mechanisms are manipulated by B-cell lymphomas to suppress immune responses.
• Therapeutic Implications: Reviewing current and emerging therapies aimed at counteracting immune evasion, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, and novel immunomodulatory agents.
• Clinical Outcomes and Biomarkers: Evaluating the impact of immune evasion on clinical outcomes and the potential of biomarkers to predict response to immunotherapies.

Through this collection, we aim to enhance understanding of the complex interactions between B-cell lymphomas and the immune system, fostering the development of innovative and more efficient therapeutic approaches.

Keywords: B-cell lymphoma, immune evasion, tumor microenvironment, immune checkpoints, immune tolerance

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.