Cancer Associated Fibroblasts - An Impediment to Effective Anti-Cancer T Cell Immunity

Lilian Koppensteiner*, Layla Mathieson, Richard A. O’Connor, Ahsan R. Akram*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

The presence of functionally efficient cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in the Tumour nest is crucial in mediating a successful immune response to cancer. The detection and elimination of cancer cells by CTL can be impaired by cancer-mediated immune evasion. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that not only neoplastic cells themselves, but also cells of the tumour microenvironment (TME) exert immunosuppressive functions and thereby play an integral part in the immune escape of cancer. The most abundant stromal cells of the TME, cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), promote tumour progression via multiple pathways and play a role in dampening the immune response to cancer. Recent research indicates that T cells react to CAF signalling and establish bidirectional crosstalk that plays a significant role in the tumour immune response. This review discusses the various mechanisms by which the CAF/T cell crosstalk may impede anti-cancer immunity.

Original languageEnglish
Article number887380
JournalFrontiers in Immunology
Volume13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Apr 2022

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)
  • mechanisms of immune evasion
  • T cell exhaustion
  • targeting CAFs
  • tumour microenvironment

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