Cell Competition in the Tumor Microenvironment

Cell competition is a quality control mechanism in which cells with higher fitness levels eliminate neighboring less-fit cells to maintain tissue integrity. Originally discovered in developmental biology, this process has gained attention in cancer research for its role in shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME consists of diverse cell types including immune cells, stromal cells, and cancer cells engaged in constant interaction. Within this dynamic ecosystem, cell competition can influence tumor initiation, progression, immune evasion, and response to therapy. Cancer cells may exploit competitive advantages to outcompete normal cells or suppress anti-tumor immune responses, while conversely, healthy or genetically modified cells might be used to eliminate cancer cells through competitive mechanisms. Investigating cell competition in the TME offers valuable insights into tumor evolution and presents potential avenues for innovative therapeutic interventions aimed at tipping the competitive balance in favor of anti-tumor activity.

Despite growing recognition of cell competition as a critical factor in tissue homeostasis and cancer, its specific mechanisms and consequences within the tumor microenvironment (TME) remain poorly understood. Tumor cells may hijack competitive signaling pathways to suppress neighboring immune or stromal cells, promoting immune evasion, therapy resistance, and aggressive growth. Conversely, certain immune or engineered cells may exert tumor-suppressive effects through competitive elimination of cancer cells. However, the molecular cues governing these interactions are largely undefined, and there is limited understanding of how cell competition influences tumor heterogeneity and treatment outcomes. To address this gap, our research aims to dissect the cellular and molecular basis of cell competition in the TME. This will involve using advanced models including genetically engineered systems, single-cell analyses, and spatial transcriptomics to map competitive interactions in situ. Ultimately, identifying the key regulators of competition could enable the development of therapies that harness or reprogram competitive dynamics to eliminate malignant cells.

This Research Topic aims to explore the emerging role of cell competition within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its implications for cancer development, progression, and therapy. We welcome original research, reviews, perspectives, and hypothesis driven articles that address key aspects of this field. Specific themes include: Mechanisms of cell competition between tumor and non-tumor cells Role of immune, stromal, and epithelial cell competition in shaping the TME Impact of cell competition on tumor heterogeneity, metastasis, and treatment resistance Engineering competitive fitness in therapeutic cells (e.g., CAR T cells, stem cells) Tools and models (e.g., single-cell analysis, spatial omics, organoids) for studying competition in cancer Manuscripts should provide novel insights into how competitive interactions influence tumor biology and discuss potential translational applications. Submissions from cancer biology, immunology, developmental biology, and bioengineering disciplines are especially encouraged.




Please note: Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent clinical or patient cohort, or biological validation in vitro or in vivo, which are not based on public databases) are not suitable for publication in this journal.