Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment

Denton, A. E., Roberts, E. W. and Fearon, D. T. (2018) Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment. In: Owens, B. M.J. and Lakins, M. A. (eds.) Stromal Immunology. Series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 1060. Springer, pp. 99-114. ISBN 9783319781259 (doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-78127-3_6)

Abstract

The tumor microenvironment comprises a mass of heterogeneous cell types, including immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, alongside cancer cells. It is increasingly becoming clear that the development of this support niche is critical to the continued uncontrolled growth of the cancer. The tumor microenvironment contributes to the maintenance of cancer stemness and also directly promotes angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and chronic inflammation. In this chapter, we describe on the role of fibroblasts, specifically termed cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), in the promotion and maintenance of cancers. CAFs have a multitude of effects on the growth and maintenance of cancer, and here we focus on their roles in modulating immune cells and responses; CAFs both inhibit immune cell access to the tumor microenvironment and inhibit their functions within the tumor. Finally, we describe the potential modulation of CAF function as an adjunct to bolster the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Roberts, Dr Ed
• Authors: Denton, A. E., Roberts, E. W., and Fearon, D. T.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 0065-2598
• ISBN: 9783319781259