Cancer Extracellular Matrix Proteins Regulate Tumour Immunity
Alex Gordon-Weeks1, Arseniy E Yuzhalin2
1Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Room 6607, Level 6 John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
Abstract:
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an increasingly recognised role in the development and progression of cancer. Whilst significant progress has been made in targeting aspects of the tumour microenvironment such as tumour immunity and angiogenesis, there are no therapies that address the cancer ECM. Importantly, immune function relies heavily on the structure, physics and composition of the ECM, indicating that cancer ECM and immunity are mechanistically inseparable. In this review we highlight mechanisms by which the ECM shapes tumour immunity, identifying potential therapeutic targets within the ECM. These data indicate that to fully realise the potential of cancer immunotherapy, the cancer ECM requires simultaneous consideration.
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