Cell Component and Function of Tumor Microenvironment in Thyroid Cancer

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Thyroid cancer, the most common endocrine malignancy, often has a good prognosis, but some cases exhibit treatment resistance or aggressive behavior.
• The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and immune cells, significantly influences thyroid tumor progression.
• Autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis is a relevant condition that may be associated with thyroid cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms by which CAF and immune cells within the thyroid cancer TME contribute to tumor progression.
• To explore the potential of CAF and immune cells as therapeutic targets for thyroid cancer.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the roles of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and immune cells in thyroid cancer.
• Analysis of mechanisms including cell proliferation, extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and immune suppression.
• Examination of signaling molecules like cytokines, chemokines, and metabolites involved in TME activation.

Main Results:

• Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) drive thyroid tumor progression via cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling.
• Immune cells within the TME promote tumor progression through cell proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and immune suppression.
• Cytokines, chemokines, and metabolites secreted by TME components activate these pro-tumorigenic events.

Conclusions:

• CAF and immune cells are critical components of the thyroid cancer TME, actively participating in tumor progression.
• Targeting CAF and immune cells within the TME presents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing aggressive or treatment-resistant thyroid cancers.