Cancer is a complex ecosystem and should be considered in the context of its cellular and molecular microenvironment, which includes the nerves. Peripheral nerves can modulate phenotype and behavior of the malignant cells and thus affect tumor growth and metastasis. Only recently has the role of neuroimmune cross-talk surfaced as a key contributor to cancer progression. However, little is known about the immunomodulatory role of the neuroglial cells in cancer progression and metastasis and the response to therapy. Schwann cells, the principal glial cells of the peripheral nervous system, are now considered to be important players in the tumor microenvironment. They can directly accelerate malignant cell migration and the formation of metastases. Better understanding of the neuroimmune circuits in the tumor milieu will be instrumental in the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the malignancies known to be associated with inflammation and dysregulated immune responses.

中文翻译：

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肿瘤微环境中的神经免疫轴

癌症是一个复杂的生态系统，应在其细胞和分子微环境（包括神经）的背景下加以考虑。周围神经可以调节恶性细胞的表型和行为，从而影响肿瘤的生长和转移。直到最近，神经免疫串扰的作用才成为癌症进展的关键因素。然而，关于神经胶质细胞在癌症进展和转移中的免疫调节作用以及对治疗的反应知之甚少。Schwann 细胞是周围神经系统的主要神经胶质细胞，现在被认为是肿瘤微环境中的重要参与者。它们可以直接加速恶性细胞迁移和转移的形成。