Focus on mast cells in the tumor microenvironment: Current knowledge and future directions

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Mast cells (MCs) are key immune cells involved in health and disease.
• MCs are present in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and interact with tumor cells.
• Their precise role in cancer, whether promoting or inhibiting it, remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted roles of mast cells within the tumor microenvironment.
• To elucidate the interactions between mast cells and other TME components.
• To explore the potential of mast cells in cancer immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on mast cell functions in the TME.
• Analysis of mast cell interactions with tumor angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and immunity.
• Discussion of current research on mast cells and cancer therapies.

Main Results:

• Mast cells influence TME remodeling, affecting tumor cell fate.
• MCs impact tumor angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis.
• Their dual role in promoting or suppressing anti-tumor immunity is highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Mast cells have complex and context-dependent effects on tumor progression.
• Understanding mast cell crosstalk within the TME is crucial.
• Targeting mast cells may offer novel strategies for cancer immunotherapy.