Immune-suppressive properties of the tumor microenvironment

Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2013 Jul;62(7):1137-48. doi: 10.1007/s00262-013-1434-6. Epub 2013 May 11.

Abstract

Solid tumors are more than an accumulation of cancer cells. Indeed, cancerous cells create a permissive microenvironment by exploiting non-transformed host cells. Thus, solid tumors rather resemble abnormal organs composed of the cancerous cells itself and the stroma providing the supportive framework. The stroma can be divided into the extracellular matrix consisting of proteoglycans, hyaluronic acid, and fibrous proteins, as well as stromal cells including mesenchymal and immune cells; moreover, it contains various peptide factors and metabolites. Here, we will focus on immune-modulating capacities of the tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arginase / metabolism
  • Cell Hypoxia
  • Extracellular Matrix
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance*
  • Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase / metabolism
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K / biosynthesis
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Stromal Cells / metabolism
  • Tryptophan Oxygenase / metabolism
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology*

Substances

  • Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase
  • KLRK1 protein, human
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K
  • Tryptophan Oxygenase
  • Arginase