Tumour microenvironment is a complex, multicellular functional compartment that, particularly when assembled as an abundant desmoplastic reaction, may profoundly affect the proliferative and invasive abilities of epithelial cancer cells. Tumour microenvironment comprises not only stromal cells, mainly cancer-associated fibroblasts, but also immune cells of both the innate and adaptive system (tumour-associated macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and T and B lymphocytes), and endothelial cells. This results in an intricate web of mutual communications regulated by an extensively remodelled extracellular matrix, where the tumour cells are centrally engaged. In this regard, cholangiocarcinoma, in particular the intrahepatic variant, has become the focus of mounting interest in the last years, largely because of the lack of effective therapies despite its rising incidence and high mortality rates worldwide. On the other hand, recent studies in pancreatic cancer, which similarly to cholangiocarcinoma, is highly desmoplastic, have argued against a tumour-promoting function of the tumour microenvironment. In this review, we will discuss recent developments concerning the role of each cellular population and their multifaceted interplay with the malignant biliary epithelial counterpart. We ultimately hope to provide the working knowledge on how their manipulation may lead to a therapeutic gain in cholangiocarcinoma.

Fabris, L., Perugorria, M., Mertens, J., Bjorkstrom, N., Cramer, T., Lleo, A., et al. (2019). The tumour microenvironment and immune milieu of cholangiocarcinoma. LIVER INTERNATIONAL, 39(1), 63-78 [10.1111/liv.14098].

The tumour microenvironment and immune milieu of cholangiocarcinoma

Strazzabosco M.
2019

Abstract

Tumour microenvironment is a complex, multicellular functional compartment that, particularly when assembled as an abundant desmoplastic reaction, may profoundly affect the proliferative and invasive abilities of epithelial cancer cells. Tumour microenvironment comprises not only stromal cells, mainly cancer-associated fibroblasts, but also immune cells of both the innate and adaptive system (tumour-associated macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and T and B lymphocytes), and endothelial cells. This results in an intricate web of mutual communications regulated by an extensively remodelled extracellular matrix, where the tumour cells are centrally engaged. In this regard, cholangiocarcinoma, in particular the intrahepatic variant, has become the focus of mounting interest in the last years, largely because of the lack of effective therapies despite its rising incidence and high mortality rates worldwide. On the other hand, recent studies in pancreatic cancer, which similarly to cholangiocarcinoma, is highly desmoplastic, have argued against a tumour-promoting function of the tumour microenvironment. In this review, we will discuss recent developments concerning the role of each cellular population and their multifaceted interplay with the malignant biliary epithelial counterpart. We ultimately hope to provide the working knowledge on how their manipulation may lead to a therapeutic gain in cholangiocarcinoma.
Articolo in rivista - Review Essay
cancer associated fibroblasts, extracellular matrix, immune cells, immunotherapy, tumor associated macrophages, tumor reactive stroma, Adaptive Immunity, Animals, Bile Duct Neoplasms, Cholangiocarcinoma, Disease Models, Animal, Endothelial Cells, Fibroblasts, Humans, Immunity, Innate, Tumor Microenvironment
English
2019
39
1
63
78
none
Fabris, L., Perugorria, M., Mertens, J., Bjorkstrom, N., Cramer, T., Lleo, A., et al. (2019). The tumour microenvironment and immune milieu of cholangiocarcinoma. LIVER INTERNATIONAL, 39(1), 63-78 [10.1111/liv.14098].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10281/280389
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