Guest Editors
Roman Paduch
Associate Professor
Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
Email: roman.paduch@mail.umcs.pl
Summary
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and dynamic network of cancer cells and surrounding non-cancerous components, including immune cells, stromal cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), and signaling molecules. This themed issue aims to highlight the latest research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that define the TME and influence tumor development, progression, and response to therapy.
We invite submissions that provide novel insights into the interactions within the TME, emphasizing mechanistic pathways and their implications for cancer biology and treatment. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
1. Molecular Mechanisms in the TME:
- Signaling pathways and molecular interactions driving TME remodeling.
- Role of cytokines, chemokines, and other soluble factors in shaping the TME.
2. Cellular Interactions and Dynamics:
- Cross-talk between cancer cells and stromal cells such as fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells.
- Microenvironmental changes enabling movement of tumor cells
- Functions of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in tumor progression and metastasis.
- Impact of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and reverse process (MET) within TME on tumor development
3. Immune Modulation in the TME:
- Impact of innate and adaptive immune cells within the TME.
- Mechanisms of immune evasion and strategies for immunotherapy targeting the TME.
4. Metabolic Reprogramming:
- Metabolic shifts in tumor and stromal cells and their impact on the TME.
- The Warburg effect, hypoxia, and nutrient competition within the TME.
5. Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Dynamics:
- ECM remodeling, stiffness, and their contributions to tumor growth and metastasis.
- Role of exosomes and extracellular vesicles in modulating the TME.
6. Therapeutic Targeting of the TME:
- Strategies to disrupt pro-tumorigenic interactions within the TME.
- Efficacy of novel therapeutics, including small molecules, antibodies, and nanomedicines, in targeting TME components.
We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that provide detailed mechanistic insights and robust experimental data on the TME. Manuscripts should aim to advance our understanding of the interactions and processes within the TME and their implications for cancer therapy. By focusing on the molecular and cellular mechanisms within the TME, we aim to inspire new therapeutic strategies and foster collaborations that will lead to improved cancer treatments.
Keywords
tumor microenvironment, molecular mechanisms in tumor growth, cellular interactions, immune modulation, direct and indirect tumor-immune cell interactions, metabolic reprogramming, extracellular matrix, therapeutic strategies, mobility of tumor cells, tumor metastasis, soluble mediators in tumor microenvironment, tumor vascularization, tumor mass structure, remodeling of tumor microenvironment
Login
Register
Submit a Paper
Propose a Special lssue