Year: 2020
Type: review
Abstract: The tumor microenvironment favors the growth and expansion of cancer cells. Many cell types are involved in the tumor microenvironment such as inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, nerves, and vascular endothelial cells. These stromal cells contribute to tumor growth by releasing various molecules to either directly activate the growth signaling in cancer cells or remodel surrounding areas. This review introduces recent advances in findings on the interactions within the tumor microenvironment such as in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune cells, and endothelial cells, in particular those established in mouse gastric cancer models. In mice, myofibroblasts in the gastric stroma secrete R-spondin and support normal gastric stem cells. Most CAFs promote tumor growth in a paracrine manner, but CAF population appears to be heterogeneous in terms of their function and origin, and include both tumor-promoting and tumor-restraining populations. Among immune cell populations, tumor-associated macrophages, including M1 and M2 macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), are reported to directly or indirectly promote gastric tumorigenesis by secreting soluble factors or modulating immune responses. Endothelial cells or blood vessels not only fuel tumors with nutrients, but also interact with cancer stem cells and immune cells by secreting chemokines or cytokines, and act as a cancer niche. Understanding these interactions within the tumor microenvironment would contribute to unraveling new therapeutic targets.
Source: Cancer Science
DOI: 10.1111/cas.14521
Authors: Yukiko Oya, Yoku Hayakawa, Kazuhiko Koike
Institution: The University of Tokyo
Language: English
Topic: Cancer Cells and Metastasis
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,250
Funders: Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Takeda Science Foundation, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Kowa Company, Kowa Life Science Foundation, SENSHIN Medical Research Foundation, Kanae Foundation for the Promotion of Medical Science, Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
OpenAlex ID: W3033845390