TME-Related Biomimetic Strategies Against Cancer

Abstract

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in various stages of tumor generation, metastasis, and evasion of immune monitoring and treatment. TME targeted therapy is based on TME components, related pathways or active molecules as therapeutic targets. Therefore, TME targeted therapy based on environmental differences between TME and normal cells has been widely studied. Biomimetic nanocarriers with low clearance, low immunogenicity, and high targeting have enormous potential in tumor treatment. This review introduces the composition and characteristics of TME, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), extracellular matrix (ECM), tumor blood vessels, non-tumor cells, and the latest research progress of biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) based on TME. It also discusses the opportunities and challenges of clinical transformation of biomimetic nanoparticles.

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles regulate macrophage polarization: role and therapeutic perspectives

“…These are the reasons why TME-induced tumor treatment can be challenging. Although macrophages are the most abundant critical non-tumor immune cells in the TME, research into the mechanism of tumor-macrophage interaction may pave the way for novel approaches to tumor therapy ( 26 ).…”

Melanoma-associated fibroblasts in tumor-promotion flammation and antitumor immunity: novel mechanisms and potential immunotherapeutic strategies

“…Within this dynamic landscape, fibroblasts emerge as pivotal players, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs constitute a unique subset of fibroblasts within the tumor stroma, distinguished by their altered phenotype and functional characteristics induced by signals from cancer cells [ 4 ]. As orchestrators of the tumor microenvironment, CAFs contribute to various aspects of cancer progression [ 5 ].…”