Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Immune exclusion refers to the phenomenon in which immune cells are restricted to the peritumoral stroma. This phenomenon arises from complex interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that limit immune cell infiltration. Consequently, immune exclusion represents a major barrier to effective antitumor immunity and a key obstacle to the success of immunotherapy. The principal components of the TME that orchestrate immune exclusion are (i) the tumor vasculature, (ii) the extracellular matrix (ECM), and (iii) stromal cells and their chemokine-mediated signaling. Understanding immune exclusion is critical for designing therapies that enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy and improve clinical outcomes. This review synthesizes current knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying immune exclusion and discusses emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at overcoming this phenomenon.
Source: Pharmaceuticals
DOI: 10.3390/ph19071012
Institutions: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Temple University
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
OpenAlex ID: W7166756803