Book Description
One of the current challenges and failures of immunotherapy is in part due to the complex tumor microenvironment (TME) that provides a formidable barrier to immune infiltration and function. The TME consists of various cell types (tumor cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells), soluble signaling molecules (cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines), and extracellular matrix. On another note, metabolic disturbances in various TME components, such as hypoxia, acidosis, lactate accumulation, and nutrient deprivation, can play a critical role in the tumor progression. Furthermore, genetic and epigenetic dysfunctions are known to be part of the characteristics of cancer development. The immune cells could have a pro- or anti-tumor role in the TME, and their activity might vary in the context of different cancers. Both innate and adaptive immune cells interact with tumor cells through direct contact or through chemokines and cytokines signaling, shaping the tumor's activity and response to therapy.
