Fujin Fang1,2, Tiantian Zhang3, Qiong Li1,2, Xiaowei Chen1,2, Fei Jiang1,2, Xiaobing Shen1,2. 1. Key Laboratory of Environmental Medical Engineering and Education Ministry, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. 2. Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China. 3. Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third People's Hospital of Bengbu, Bengbu, China.
Abstract
AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The tumor microenvironment significantly influences malignant behavior and progression. Many components are involved in the tumor microenvironment, including extracellular matrix, stromal cells, immune and inflammatory cells, as well as cytokines that promote tumor development with complex interactions through the exchange of molecular information. It is now known that tumor immune escape may be influenced by the tumor microenvironment. The aim of this work is to conduct a review of the tumor immune-microenvironment in gastric cancer. METHODS: We review the current knowledge of several immune cells involved in the gastric tumor microenvironment. In addition, a brief description of immunotherapy strategies for gastric cancer is also reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Among immune cell populations, lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells are revealed to make the difference in promoting or suppressing gastric tumorigenesis, either directly or indirectly, via regulating the immune responses. Understanding these interactions in detail within the tumor immune-microenvironment will contribute to unraveling new therapeutic targets.
AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The tumor microenvironment significantly influences malignant behavior and progression. Many components are involved in the tumor microenvironment, including extracellular matrix, stromal cells, immune and inflammatory cells, as well as cytokines that promote tumor development with complex interactions through the exchange of molecular information. It is now known that tumor immune escape may be influenced by the tumor microenvironment. The aim of this work is to conduct a review of the tumor immune-microenvironment in gastric cancer. METHODS: We review the current knowledge of several immune cells involved in the gastric tumor microenvironment. In addition, a brief description of immunotherapy strategies for gastric cancer is also reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Among immune cell populations, lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells are revealed to make the difference in promoting or suppressing gastric tumorigenesis, either directly or indirectly, via regulating the immune responses. Understanding these interactions in detail within the tumor immune-microenvironment will contribute to unraveling new therapeutic targets.