Decoding the Complexity of Immune–Cancer Cell Interactions: Empowering the Future of Cancer Immunotherapy

Abstract

The tumor and tumor microenvironment (TME) consist of a complex network of cells, including malignant, immune, fibroblast, and vascular cells, which communicate with each other. Disruptions in cell–cell communication within the TME, caused by a multitude of extrinsic and intrinsic factors, can contribute to tumorigenesis, hinder the host immune system, and enable tumor evasion. Understanding and addressing intercellular miscommunications in the TME are vital for combating these processes. The effectiveness of immunotherapy and the heterogeneous response observed among patients can be attributed to the intricate cellular communication between immune cells and cancer cells. To unravel these interactions, various experimental, statistical, and computational techniques have been developed. These include ligand–receptor analysis, intercellular proximity labeling approaches, and imaging-based methods, which provide insights into the distorted cell–cell interactions within the TME. By characterizing these interactions, we can enhance the design of cancer immunotherapy strategies. In this review, we present recent advancements in the field of mapping intercellular communication, with a particular focus on immune–tumor cellular interactions. By modeling these interactions, we can identify critical factors and develop strategies to improve immunotherapy response and overcome treatment resistance.

Epigenetic and Genetic Keys to Fight HPV-Related Cancers

“…Genetic modification of immune cells emerges as a highly promising strategy to augment innate anti-tumor responses of the immune system [198]. This approach gives immune cells greater anti-tumor specificity, allowing them to selectively target and eliminate tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue [199]. The incorporation of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) into immune cells facilitates precise recognition and binding of antigens, which are often expressed by tumor cells [200].…”

Nanozymes with biomimetically designed properties for cancer treatment

“…Tumors can alter the TME, and the TME can also affect the growth and invasion of tumors. 11 Tumor cells have an antioxidant system that can resist and adapt to oxidative stress damage through pentose phosphate pathway, either by producing more nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) or upregulating antioxidant transcription factors. 12,13 The unique biochemical and metabolic characteristics of the TME, 14 such as hypoxia, lower pH, high concentrations of glutathione (GSH), as well as immune tolerance and immunosuppressive mechanisms in the immune cells of the TME.…”

Assessing the causal relationship between 731 immunophenotypes and the risk of lung cancer: a bidirectional mendelian randomization study

“…The existence of persistent inflammation promotes tumor progression through various mechanisms such as immune system evasion, angiogenesis, and the facilitation of metastatic spread [ 17 – 19 ]. Recent studies have focused on the complex interactions between immune cells and lung cancer cells [ 20 – 23 ]. This complexity is evident by the formation of heterotypic cell-in-cell structures (CICs), highlighting the interplay in the tumor environment [ 17 , 24 ].…”