Tumor Microenvironment Uses a Reversible Reprogramming of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to Mediate Pro-tumorigenic...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have a dual role in the tumor microenvironment, exhibiting both anticancer and pro-tumorigenic activities.
• Cancer cells can reprogram MSCs within the tumor microenvironment, shifting their function towards promoting tumor growth and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent evidence on the pro-tumorigenic effects of MSCs in cancer.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which the tumor microenvironment reprograms MSCs.
• To summarize emerging strategies for reprogramming tumor-associated MSCs to enhance anticancer functions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent evidence on MSCs in the tumor microenvironment.
• Analysis of mechanisms driving MSC reprogramming by tumor components.
• Synthesis of current strategies for MSC-based cancer therapy.

Main Results:

• MSCs support cancer cell metabolism and stemness, contributing to malignant behavior.
• MSCs promote cancer cell immunosenescence and establish an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
• Tumor factors like hypoxia, stiffness, and extracellular matrix mediate MSC reprogramming.

Conclusions:

• Tumor-associated MSCs play a critical role in fostering cancer progression and immune evasion.
• Understanding MSC reprogramming mechanisms is key to developing novel therapeutic strategies.
• Reprogramming tumor MSCs offers a promising avenue to restore their anticancer potential and improve cancer treatment outcomes.