Recent Advances in Tumor Microenvironment Biology
A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Biology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 158
Special Issue Editor
Interests: innate immunity of complement system in sepsis, cancer, and diabetes; signal transduction of protein kinase C (PKC) signaling in cancer initiation, development, and metastasis; small G protein Rac1 in cancer transformation and metastasis
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Recent advances in tumor microenvironment (TME) biology have revolutionized our understanding of cancer progression, metastasis, and treatment response. The tumor microenvironment, once considered merely a supportive backdrop for cancer cells, is now recognized as a dynamic ecosystem comprising various cell types, extracellular matrix components, and signaling molecules that profoundly influence tumor behavior.
One of the most significant breakthroughs in TME research has been the identification and characterization of different cellular components within the microenvironment. Stromal cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune cells including T cells, B cells, macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), as well as endothelial cells, collectively shape the TME's complexity. Understanding the intricate crosstalk among these cells and their interactions with cancer cells has provided critical insights into tumor development and progression.
Moreover, recent studies have shed light on the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in TME dynamics. The ECM, consisting of various proteins and polysaccharides, not only provides structural support but also serves as a reservoir for growth factors and cytokines that regulate tumor cell behavior. Alterations in ECM composition and stiffness have been implicated in tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and immune evasion, highlighting the importance of ECM remodeling in cancer biology.
Advancements in single-cell analysis techniques have enabled researchers to dissect the heterogeneity within the TME at unprecedented resolution. By profiling individual cells within tumors, scientists have uncovered distinct subpopulations with unique functional properties and gene expression signatures. This granularity has facilitated the identification of novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for predicting treatment response and patient outcomes.
Furthermore, the emerging field of immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment paradigms by harnessing the power of the immune system to target and eliminate tumors. Checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, and immune checkpoint blockade have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in a subset of patients across various cancer types. Understanding the complex interplay between tumors and the immune microenvironment is essential for optimizing immunotherapeutic strategies and overcoming resistance mechanisms.
In conclusion, recent advances in tumor microenvironment biology have deepened our understanding of cancer biology and opened up new avenues for therapeutic intervention. By elucidating the intricate cellular and molecular interactions within the TME, researchers aim to develop more effective and personalized treatments that target not only cancer cells but also their supportive microenvironment. As we continue to unravel the complexities of the TME, we move closer to realizing the promise of precision medicine in the fight against cancer.
Dr. Hongbin Wang
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- tumor microenvironment
- immune cells’ stromal cells
- extracellular matrix
- angiogenesis
- metabolic reprogramming
- tumor-associated macrophages
- tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
- cytokine signaling
- therapeutic targeting strategies
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.