The tumor and tumor microenvironment (TME) consist of a complex network of cells, including malignant, immune, fibroblast, and vascular cells, which communicate with each other. Disruptions in cell–cell communication within the TME, caused by a multitude of extrinsic and intrinsic factors, can contribute to tumorigenesis, hinder the host immune system, and enable tumor evasion. Understanding and addressing intercellular miscommunications in the TME are vital for combating these processes. The effectiveness of immunotherapy and the heterogeneous response observed among patients can be attributed to the intricate cellular communication between immune cells and cancer cells. To unravel these interactions, various experimental, statistical, and computational techniques have been developed. These include ligand–receptor analysis, intercellular proximity labeling approaches, and imaging-based methods, which provide insights into the distorted cell–cell interactions within the TME. By characterizing these interactions, we can enhance the design of cancer immunotherapy strategies. In this review, we present recent advancements in the field of mapping intercellular communication, with a particular focus on immune–tumor cellular interactions. By modeling these interactions, we can identify critical factors and develop strategies to improve immunotherapy response and overcome treatment resistance.
肿瘤及其微环境构成一个复杂的细胞网络，包括恶性细胞、免疫细胞、成纤维细胞和血管细胞，这些细胞之间相互通讯。肿瘤微环境中细胞间通讯的紊乱由多种内外因素引起，可能促进肿瘤发生、阻碍宿主免疫系统功能并促使肿瘤免疫逃逸。理解和解决肿瘤微环境中的细胞间通讯异常对于对抗这些过程至关重要。免疫疗法的有效性及患者间观察到的异质性反应，可归因于免疫细胞与癌细胞之间复杂的细胞通讯。为解析这些相互作用，研究者已开发出多种实验、统计和计算技术，包括配体-受体分析、细胞邻近标记方法和基于成像的技术，这些方法揭示了肿瘤微环境中异常的细胞间相互作用。通过系统表征这些相互作用，我们可以优化癌症免疫治疗策略的设计。本综述重点介绍了细胞间通讯图谱绘制领域的最新进展，特别聚焦于免疫-肿瘤细胞相互作用。通过建模这些相互作用，我们能够识别关键因素并制定策略，以提升免疫治疗应答并克服治疗耐药性。
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家