The tumor microenvironment (TME) has been identified as one of the driving factors of tumor progression and invasion. Within this microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) have multiple tumor-promoting functions and play key roles in drug resistance, through multiple mechanisms, including extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, production of growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, and modulation of metabolism and angiogenesis. More recently, a growing body of evidence has shown that CAF also modulate immune cell activity and suppress anti-tumor immune response. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on CAF heterogeneity in terms of identity and functions. Moreover, we analyze how distinct CAF subpopulations differentially interact with immune cells, with a particular focus on T lymphocytes. We address how specific CAF subsets contribute to cancer progression through induction of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Finally, we highlight potential therapeutic strategies for targeting CAF subpopulations in cancer.

中文翻译：

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癌症相关成纤维细胞亚群在免疫浸润中的作用，作为癌症治疗的新手段


肿瘤微环境（TME）已被确定为肿瘤进展和侵袭的驱动因素之一。在这种微环境中，癌症相关成纤维细胞 (CAF) 具有多种促肿瘤功能，并通过多种机制在耐药性中发挥关键作用，包括细胞外基质 (ECM) 重塑、生长因子、细胞因子和趋化因子的产生以及调节新陈代谢和血管生成。最近，越来越多的证据表明 CAF 还可以调节免疫细胞活性并抑制抗肿瘤免疫反应。在这篇综述中，我们从身份和功能方面描述了 CAF 异质性的当前知识。此外，我们分析了不同的 CAF 亚群与免疫细胞（特别是 T 淋巴细胞）相互作用的差异。我们探讨了特定 CAF 亚群如何通过诱导免疫抑制微环境来促进癌症进展。最后，我们强调了针对癌症中 CAF 亚群的潜在治疗策略。