Epigenetic interplay between immune, stromal and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment

Abstract

Compelling evidences highlight the critical role of the tumor microenvironment as mediator of tumor progression and immunosuppression in several types of cancer. The reciprocal interplay between neoplastic and non-tumoral host cells is mediated by direct cell-to-cell contact, soluble factors and exosomes that result in differential gene expression patterns that are driven by epigenetic mechanisms. In this regard, extensive literature has described the abnormalities in the DNA methylation status and histone modification profiles in tumor cells. However, little is known about the mechanisms of epigenetic dysregulation that participate as a consequence of the intricate crosstalk among the cells within the tumor niche. This review summarizes the current knowledge on epigenetic changes that result from the interactions between myeloid, stromal and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment and its functional impact in both tumorigenesis and tumor progression. We also discuss potential niche-specific epigenetic biomarkers to improve the prognosis and clinical treatment of cancer patients.