CURRENT APPROACHES IN CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY

tibbibiyolojiozel-3-2-25kapak

Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy

Nazila FARHANGZADa , Elif DENER KILIÇa,b, Asuman SUNGUROĞLUa
aAnkara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Ankara, Türkiye
bAnkara University Institute of Health Sciences, Ankara, Türkiye

Farhangzad N, Dener Kılıç E, Sunguroğlu A. Tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy. Sunguroğlu A, ed. Current Approaches in Cancer Immunotherapy. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.53-8.

ABSTRACT
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that significantly influences tumor progression and response to therapies, particularly immunotherapy. It comprises various cellular components, including immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and non-cellular elements such as the extracellular matrix (ECM). The TME can be categorized into immune-desert, immune-excluded, and immune-inflammatory environments, affecting tumor growth and immune responses differently. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and tumorassociated neutrophils (TANs) play crucial roles in modulating the TME by promoting immunosuppression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Despite the promise of immunotherapy, the immunosuppressive nature of the TME limits its effectiveness. Strategies targeting TME components, such as TAM reprogramming, ECM remodeling, and immune checkpoint inhibition, are emerging as potential therapies to overcome these barriers and enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment. Understanding and manipulating the TME holds great potential for improving clinical outcomes in immunotherapy.

Keywords: TME; immunotherapy; TAM; CAF; ECM

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