The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem comprising a variety of cell types, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune cells, endothelial cells, and tumor cells themselves. Among these, CAFs play a pivotal role in orchestrating the intricate cellular crosstalk that drives tumor progression, immune evasion, and therapy resistance. CAFs are activated by signals from tumor cells and other components of the TME, leading to their acquisition of pro-tumorigenic functions. They secrete a multitude of cytokines, chemokines, and extracellular matrix proteins that promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Moreover, CAFs contribute to the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment by recruiting and modulating immune cells, thereby facilitating immune evasion. This dynamic interplay between CAFs and other cells in the TME forms a vicious cycle that exacerbates disease progression and hampers therapeutic efficacy.
The goal of this Research Topic is to elucidate the dynamic interactions between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and other cells within the tumor microenvironment, with a focus on understanding how these interactions drive immune evasion and therapy resistance. By bringing together multidisciplinary research, we aim to identify novel targets and therapeutic strategies to disrupt the vicious cycle orchestrated by CAFs, ultimately improving cancer treatment outcomes.
To gather further insights into the interactions mediated by CAFs within the tumor microenvironment, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Molecular mechanisms of CAF-immune cell interactions contributing to immune evasion
- Pathways and mechanisms of CAF-tumor cell communication and therapy resistance
- Advanced imaging techniques for CAF visualization and therapeutic targeting
- Clinical and translational studies exploring CAF prognostic value and targeting strategies
- Novel therapeutic approaches targeting CAFs, including immunotherapy and molecular inhibitors
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem comprising a variety of cell types, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune cells, endothelial cells, and tumor cells themselves. Among these, CAFs play a pivotal role in orchestrating the intricate cellular crosstalk that drives tumor progression, immune evasion, and therapy resistance. CAFs are activated by signals from tumor cells and other components of the TME, leading to their acquisition of pro-tumorigenic functions. They secrete a multitude of cytokines, chemokines, and extracellular matrix proteins that promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Moreover, CAFs contribute to the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment by recruiting and modulating immune cells, thereby facilitating immune evasion. This dynamic interplay between CAFs and other cells in the TME forms a vicious cycle that exacerbates disease progression and hampers therapeutic efficacy.
The goal of this Research Topic is to elucidate the dynamic interactions between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and other cells within the tumor microenvironment, with a focus on understanding how these interactions drive immune evasion and therapy resistance. By bringing together multidisciplinary research, we aim to identify novel targets and therapeutic strategies to disrupt the vicious cycle orchestrated by CAFs, ultimately improving cancer treatment outcomes.
To gather further insights into the interactions mediated by CAFs within the tumor microenvironment, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Molecular mechanisms of CAF-immune cell interactions contributing to immune evasion
- Pathways and mechanisms of CAF-tumor cell communication and therapy resistance
- Advanced imaging techniques for CAF visualization and therapeutic targeting
- Clinical and translational studies exploring CAF prognostic value and targeting strategies
- Novel therapeutic approaches targeting CAFs, including immunotherapy and molecular inhibitors