Immune modulators in the treatment of blood cancers

Inflammation and immunosuppression are closely linked to cancer, and this includes the broad spectrum of hematologic malignancies. Immune modulators are studied for their potential to reduce chronic inflammation, strengthen neighbouring immune cells, boost cellular therapy, or in some cases perhaps alter phenotypes of the tumour cells themselves. A wide range of such modulators exists including antibody-drug conjugates (e.g., HE-S2, J. Med. Chem. 2021, 64, 21, 15716–15726) small molecules such as synthetic TLR agonists (Trends in Biotechnology, 2023, 41(9), 1139-1154), and natural products that can reduce or stimulate inflammatory signaling (Heliyon, 2024, 10(1), e23790). Along with modulators, delivery methods are also receiving increased attention, as seen within the growing body of nanomaterials research (which themselves are often immune modulators).

This Research Topic seeks to highlight cutting-edge findings, current trends and future directions of immune modulators for blood cancers. As importantly, barriers preventing their greater use must be concretely identified. Recognizing these limitations is essential to move immune modulators into more widespread use as effective therapeutic options, either alone or in combination with established regimens.

While encouraging progress has been made, several obstacles remain. The immune landscapes of leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas are highly heterogeneous, which complicates the reproducibility of responses. Toxicities such as cytokine release and unintended immune activation continue to raise safety concerns. Moreover, the bone marrow microenvironment poses distinct challenges for selective delivery and sustained activity.

Addressing these issues requires contributions that bridge immunology, metabolism, epigenetics, and biomaterials research. By bringing together mechanistic insights and translational advances, this collection aims to accelerate the incorporation of immune modulators into precision strategies, including CAR-T therapy, immune checkpoint blockade, and rational combinations.

Original research and review articles can address topics such as:
• Targets and mechanisms of action of immune modulator
• Strategies for selective delivery
• Therapeutic Efficacy & Toxicity
• Metabolomic and immunometabolic effects
• Use with cellular therapies such as CAR-T
• Combination approached and mechanisms of resistance

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: immune modulators, blood cancers, targeted therapy, immunometabolism, CAR-T therapy, targeted delivery

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.