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Updated: Oct 1, 2025
In Vitro Assay to Study Tumor-macrophage Interaction
Published on: August 1, 2019
Integration of chemokine signaling with non-coding RNAs in tumor microenvironment and heterogeneity in different
Shweta Arora1, Salman Khan1, Almaz Zaki2
1Translational Research Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India.
Abstract:
Chemokines are small secreted proteins that regulate the immune system by signaling through chemokine receptors to induce immune cell migration, motility, and infiltration into the tissue. Altered chemokine/receptor expression is associated with numerous inflammatory diseases, and more recently in non-immune cell diseases like cancer. Emerging new studies demonstrate that chemokines can directly modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) to assist tumorigenesis by regulating proinflammatory signaling, immune cell infiltration,and metastasis. However, the diversity and complexity in the regulation of chemokine expression and how chemokine receptor signaling influences TME needs comprehensive understanding. One mechanistic pathway that has shown promising early results in targeting tumor progression is the non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). These are widely expressed and designated as prime gene regulatory factors in tumors and the immune system. Notably, ncRNAs have been implicated in regulating chromatin stability, translation of cytoplasmic mRNAs, and the functional regulation of membrane-less nuclear bodies, which are significant pathways implicated in tumorigenesis. Tissue-specific patterns of expression of ncRNAs have suggested their role as potential cancer biomarkers, providing a suitable rationale for targeting them clinically. In this review, we discuss the recent findings which demonstrate the role of differential expression of chemokines and ncRNA in modulating TME during tumor progression. We also discuss the communication between tumor and immune effector cells via chemokine/ncRNAs and identify their potential as novel therapeutic targets.
Insights
Chemokines and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) significantly impact the tumor microenvironment, influencing cancer progression and immune responses. Understanding their complex interplay offers novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Chemokines and their receptors are crucial for immune cell function and are implicated in inflammatory diseases and cancer.
- Chemokines directly influence the tumor microenvironment (TME), promoting tumorigenesis, inflammation, and metastasis.
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are key gene regulators involved in cancer development and immune system modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on the roles of chemokines and ncRNAs in modulating the tumor microenvironment.
- To explore the communication pathways between tumor cells and immune cells mediated by chemokines and ncRNAs.
- To identify chemokines and ncRNAs as potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on chemokines, ncRNAs, and the tumor microenvironment.
- Analysis of the regulatory mechanisms of chemokine and ncRNA expression in cancer.
- Discussion of the interplay between chemokines, ncRNAs, tumor cells, and immune effector cells.
Main Results:
- Differential expression of chemokines and ncRNAs significantly impacts TME modulation during tumor progression.
- Chemokines and ncRNAs mediate communication between tumor and immune cells, influencing the anti-tumor immune response.
- ncRNAs regulate critical pathways in tumorigenesis, including chromatin stability and gene translation.
Conclusions:
- Chemokines and ncRNAs play complex roles in cancer progression and immune modulation within the TME.
- Targeting the chemokine and ncRNA pathways presents a promising strategy for novel cancer therapies.
- Further research into the chemokine-ncRNA axis is warranted to develop effective clinical interventions.
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