Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) with potential of self-renewal drive tumorigenesis. Brain tumor microenvironment (TME) has been identified as a critical regulator of malignancy progression. Many researchers are searching new ways to characterize tumors with the goal of predicting how they respond to treatment. Here, we describe the striking parallels between normal stem cells and CSCs. We review the microenvironmental aspects of brain tumors, in particular composition and vital roles of immune cells infiltrating glioma and medulloblastoma. By highlighting that CSCs cooperate with TME via various cellular communication approaches, we discuss the recent advances in therapeutic strategies targeting the components of TME. Identification of the complex and interconnected factors can facilitate the development of promising treatments for these deadly malignancies.

中文翻译：

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脑肿瘤：癌干样细胞与肿瘤微环境相互作用。

具有自我更新潜力的癌症干细胞样细胞（CSC）驱动肿瘤发生。脑肿瘤微环境（TME）已被确定为恶性肿瘤进展的关键调节器。许多研究人员正在寻找表征肿瘤的新方法，以预测其对治疗的反应。在这里，我们描述了正常干细胞和CSC之间的惊人相似之处。我们审查了脑肿瘤的微环境方面，特别是浸润神经胶质瘤和髓母细胞瘤的免疫细胞的组成和重要作用。通过强调CSC通过以下方式与TME合作各种细胞通讯方法，我们讨论针对TME组件的治疗策略的最新进展。识别复杂且相互联系的因素可以促进针对这些致命恶性肿瘤的有前途的治疗方法的发展。